Sydänläpän

Sydänläpän, commonly translated as heart valve, refers to one of the four structures within the heart that control the flow of blood. These valves ensure that blood moves in the correct direction through the heart's chambers and into the arteries, preventing backflow. The four main heart valves are the mitral valve, the aortic valve, the tricuspid valve, and the pulmonary valve.

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, the body's main artery. The tricuspid valve is found between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Finally, the pulmonary valve connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs.

Each valve consists of leaflets or cusps, which open and close in a coordinated manner with the heart's contractions. During diastole, when the heart muscle relaxes, the valves open to allow blood to fill the chambers. During systole, when the heart muscle contracts, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward.

Problems with heart valves, known as valvular heart disease, can arise from various causes, including congenital defects, infections, aging, and other medical conditions. These issues can lead to either stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening) or regurgitation (leakage of the valve), both of which can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.