Functions of the Heart Valves
The function of the heart valves is very important for the flow of blood throughout the body. Without valves, blood flow in the heart cannot run properly and the work of the heart will be very heavy. Inside the heart, there are several heart valves with their respective functions.The heart is an organ in charge of pumping blood throughout the body. This organ consists of four chambers lined by muscles. The two chambers at the top are called the atria of the heart and the two at the bottom are called the chambers of the heart.
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| Know the Functions of the Heart Valves |
In each chamber of the heart, there are valves that act as "doors" for blood flow to flow in the right direction.
Know the Functions of the Heart Valves
When the heart pumps blood, the heart valves open and close in the right order to ensure blood flows in the right direction from one heart chamber to another. When opening and closing, the heart valves produce a sound known as the sound of a heartbeat.
The heart has four valves, namely the aortic valve, mitral valve, pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve.
The following is an explanation of the function of each heart valve:
1. Tricuspid valve
The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. When open, the tricuspid valve allows blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. In addition, this heart valve also functions to prevent backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.
2. Pulmonary valve
The pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The function of this heart valve when it is open is to allow blood to be pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. When in the lungs, the blood will release carbon dioxide and receive oxygen.
The pulmonary valve also prevents backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle.
3. Mitral valve
The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The function of this heart valve is to open the door for blood to flow from the lungs to the left atrium. The mitral valve also prevents backward flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
4. Aortic valve
The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. This valve opens to allow blood to flow out of the heart from the left ventricle through the aorta.
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic valve also functions to prevent backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle.
Maintain Heart Valve Health
The heart valves are flexibly shaped so they can open and close at the right time and according to their function. The valve must be fully open so that blood can pass through it without problems and the valve must also be closed so that no blood can leak backwards.
Therefore, it is important to always maintain the health of the heart valves so that their functions always run properly. The trick is to take care of overall heart health. Following are the steps:
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes every day or 150 minutes every week
- Treating infectious diseases completely or as recommended by a doctor, especially streptococcal infections which often cause heart valve problems
- Applying a healthy diet, for example reducing the consumption of salt and fatty foods or processed by frying
- Avoid or stop smoking
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Carry out regular health checks as recommended by your doctor, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Problems with heart valve function usually result from valve leaks or valve narrowing. When the heart valves fail to open and close properly, the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body will also be hampered and the heart's work will become very heavy.
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Disorders of heart valve function is one of the causes of heart failure. Therefore, if you often feel symptoms of heart valve disease, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swollen stomach and legs, immediately consult a doctor.
To detect disease in the heart valves, the doctor will perform several examinations, including a physical examination of the heart, an electrocardiogram, and an ultrasound of the heart or echocardiography.
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