The valve apparatus of our heart performs an essential function to ensure proper blood circulation. Each valve of the heart (and there are four in total), simultaneously opening and closing, prevents the blood flow from moving in the opposite direction. That ensures perfect coordination and jewelry accuracy of the whole mechanism of the central organ of the human body.
If we compare the heart chamber with the sluice, then the heart valve plays the role of its valves. Each of them has its own characteristics and purpose. The aortic valve of the heart serves to block the entrance to the aorta. Anatomically, it consists of three crescent-like cusps. With a contraction of the left ventricle, this heart valve passes blood into the aorta.
The mitral valve, which has a bicuspid structure, is located between the left ventricle and the atrium, the entrance to which it blocks, thereby preventing the reverse direction of blood flow. His cyclical work is fully synchronized with the left ventricle.
The tricuspid valve of the heart, also called tricuspid valve , is located between the ventricle and the atrium of the right side and, as its name implies, has a threefold structure. In the open state, it passes blood from the atrium into the cavity of the right ventricle, the full filling of which causes a muscle contraction reaction, as a result of which the valve closes. What prevents the reverse movement of blood and ensures its circulation in the right direction.
The pulmonary valve, located at the trunk entrance of this organ, provides the movement of blood coming from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. Such is the general structure and functional purpose of the heart valve apparatus. This makes it clear that the smooth operation of the entire central organ of the circulatory system is possible only with the harmonious and ideal functioning of this biological mechanism.
A characteristic feature of the valves is that they are subjected to heavy loads with constant mechanical work. It is estimated that over seventy years of life, valves make a cycle of opening - closing more than two billion times. This often leads to various pathologies. Petals (sashes) of healthy valves are thin and very flexible tissues of perfect geometric shape. Naturally, such a fabric is subject to wear. In addition, pathologies can often be caused by birth defects. Valves can be damaged and scarred as a result of rheumatic attacks, various infections, for genetic reasons, due to age-related changes, heart attacks, and many other factors.
All this can cause stenosis (narrowing of the inlet) or failure (incomplete closure of the valves). Sometimes in such cases , a heart operation may be required whose valve needs to be repaired or replaced. And although modern technologies and materials make it possible to carry out such complex and critical procedures with a very high probability of success, the risk is still extremely high.
Most often today, operations are performed to reconstruct the most “fragile” heart valve - the mitral. If the valve is seriously damaged, replacing it often becomes the only salvation for the patient. Surgical intervention, for all its danger, significantly surpasses any drug treatment method in terms of effectiveness.