Sydänventtiili

Sydänventtiili, or heart valve in English, refers to one of the four structures within the heart that control the unidirectional flow of blood. These valves ensure that blood moves forward through the heart chambers and into the arteries, preventing backflow. The four main heart valves are the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the aortic valve, and the pulmonary valve.

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle. The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygenated blood to the body. The pulmonary valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, which carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Each heart valve consists of leaflets, also known as cusps, that open and close in a coordinated manner with each heartbeat. During diastole, when the heart muscle relaxes, the valves open to allow blood to fill the chambers. During systole, when the heart muscle contracts to pump blood, the valves close to prevent backflow.

Dysfunction of heart valves can lead to various cardiac conditions. Stenosis occurs when a valve narrows, restricting blood flow. Regurgitation, also known as insufficiency or incompetence, happens when a valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. These conditions can strain the heart and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. Medical evaluation and treatment are often necessary to manage heart valve diseases.