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Do You Know The 4 Heart Valves & Their Functions?
Do You Know The 4 Heart Valves & Their Functions? and Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Cost ?
What Are the 4 Heart Valves and Their Functions?
The heart, a vital organ, functions as a pump to circulate blood throughout the body.
It comprises four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Blood flows through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart, ensuring unidirectional blood flow and preventing backflow.
The four heart valves are:
Tricuspid Valve: Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, it prevents the backflow of blood into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts.
Pulmonary Valve: Situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, it ensures blood flows from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, preventing backflow.
Mitral Valve: Located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, it has only two leaflets (flaps). It allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle and prevents backflow during ventricular contraction.
Aortic Valve: Positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, it ensures blood flows from the left ventricle into the aorta and prevents backflow.
How Do the Heart Valves Work?
As the heart muscle contracts and relaxes, the valves open and close, allowing blood to flow into the ventricles and atria alternately. Here is a step-by-step description of how the valves function:
Left Ventricle Relaxation: The aortic valve closes, and the mitral valve opens, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
Left Atrium Contraction: Additional blood flows into the left ventricle.
Left Ventricle Contraction: The mitral valve closes, and the aortic valve opens, allowing blood to flow into the aorta and out to the body.
Right Ventricle Relaxation and Contraction: Simultaneously with the left ventricle, the right ventricle relaxes and contracts, allowing blood flow into the pulmonary artery and preventing backflow into the right atrium.
What Is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more valves in the heart do not function correctly. The main types of heart valve diseases include:
Regurgitation: Also known as a leaky valve, it occurs when a valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward. This can lead to overworking of the heart chambers, potentially causing structural changes.
Stenosis: This is a condition where the valve opening is narrowed, making it difficult for blood to pass through. The heart must exert more force to pump blood, which can also lead to structural changes.
Atresia: This is a congenital condition where a valve does not develop properly, preventing blood flow through the heart.
When heart valves do not open or close properly, it can seriously affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
What Is Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Heart valve replacement surgery is a procedure to replace damaged or diseased heart valves. The surgery is performed when valves are severely damaged, affecting blood flow through the heart.
There are two main types of valves used in replacement surgeries:
Mechanical Valves: Made from durable materials like plastic, carbon, or metal, these valves can last for many years. However, patients with mechanical valves need to take blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) for life to prevent blood clots.
Biological Valves: Made from animal tissue (xenograft) or donated human tissue (allograft or homograft), these valves do not require lifelong blood-thinning medications. However, they may need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
Types of Heart Valve Replacement Procedures
Open Heart Surgery: This traditional method involves a large incision in the chest to access the heart and replace the valve.
Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery: This method involves smaller incisions and specialized instruments to replace the valve, leading to a quicker recovery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A minimally invasive procedure performed for patients who are not suitable for open-heart surgery. It involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to replace the aortic valve.
Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Cost
The cost of heart valve replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of valve used, the complexity of the procedure, and the hospital. In India, the average cost of TAVR or heart valve replacement surgery ranges from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000. Costs may vary based on the hospital and city.
Why Heart Valve Replacement Surgery is Necessary?
Heart valve replacement surgery is essential for patients with severe heart valve disease. It can significantly improve the quality of life by restoring normal blood flow through the heart and reducing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Depending on the severity of the valve damage, the patient’s age, and overall health, the surgeon will recommend the most appropriate type of valve and surgical procedure.
Conclusion:
Understanding the function of the heart valves and the importance of heart valve replacement surgery is crucial for maintaining heart health. If you experience symptoms of heart valve disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, consult a cardiac specialist like Dr. Shridhar G. Padagatti at Active Heart Clinic. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. With advancements in medical technology, heart valve replacement surgery has become safer and more effective, offering patients a new lease on life.
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