What are Heart Valves?
The heart has four valves that control the flow of blood through the heart and into the body's circulation. The four valves are:
The tricuspid valve: This valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It prevents blood from flowing back into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts.
The pulmonary valve: This valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It prevents blood from flowing back into the right ventricle when the right ventricle contracts.
The mitral valve: This valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts.
The aortic valve: This valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle when the left ventricle contracts.
Heart valves are important for maintaining the proper flow of blood through the heart and into the body's circulation. If a heart valve becomes narrowed or blocked, or does not open or close properly, it can interfere with the normal flow of blood and may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat. Heart valve problems can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.