sydänventtiilin

Sydänventtiili, or heart valve in English, refers to one of the four structures within the heart that ensures blood flows in the correct direction through the heart's chambers and into the major arteries. These valves open and close with each heartbeat, acting as one-way doors.

The four main heart valves are the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve. The mitral and tricuspid valves are known as atrioventricular valves because they are located between the atria and ventricles. The aortic and pulmonary valves are called semilunar valves and are situated between the ventricles and the large arteries leaving the heart.

Dysfunction of these valves can lead to various heart conditions. Valve stenosis occurs when a valve narrows, restricting blood flow. Valve regurgitation, also known as insufficiency or incompetence, happens when a valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. These issues can strain the heart and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and palpitations.

Heart valve problems can arise from congenital defects, age-related changes, infections like rheumatic fever, or other medical conditions. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), and sometimes cardiac catheterization. Treatment options range from medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications to surgical or transcatheter interventions to repair or replace the faulty valve.