Why do any of the heart valves open

The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. This can be caused by a leakage of blood, which is called regurgitation, a narrowing of the valve opening, which is called stenosis, or a combination of regurgitation and stenosis. Some people with a heart valve disorder may not have any symptoms, while others may experience conditions like strokes , heart attacks , and blood clots if the heart valve disorder goes untreated.

A mitral valve prolapse is also called:. However, symptoms that indicate that treatment is necessary include:. Bicuspid aortic valve disease occurs when a person is born with an aortic valve that has two flaps instead of the usual three. In very severe cases, the symptoms of this type of disorder are present at birth.

However, some people may go decades without knowing they have this type of disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic , 80 percent of people with this type of heart valve disorder will require surgery to repair or replace the valve. This can occur in any of the heart valves and may be caused by the heart valve thickening or stiffening.

Other people may need surgery to replace or repair the valve. Depending on the severity of your stenosis and your age, valvuloplasty, which uses a balloon to dilate the valve, may be an option.

The symptoms can include:. The effects of valvular regurgitation vary depending on the person. Some people simply need to have their condition monitored. Others may need to have medication to prevent fluid buildup, while others require valve repair or replacement. Symptoms of heart valve disorders vary depending on the severity of the disorder.

Usually the presence of symptoms indicates that the disorder is affecting blood flow. However, signs and symptoms may include:. These are both signs of heart valve problems. Treatments for heart valve disorders depend on the severity of the disorder and symptoms. Most doctors suggest beginning with conservative treatments. These include:. Prevents the back flow of blood from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.

Related valve problems include: pulmonary valve stenosis , pulmonary valve regurgitation Mitral Valve Has two leaflets. Separates the top left chamber left atrium from the bottom left chamber left ventricle. Opens to allow blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Prevents the back flow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium. Related valve problems include: mitral valve prolapse , mitral valve regurgitation , mitral valve stenosis Aortic Valve Has three leaflets, unless it's abnormal from birth, i.

Separates the left ventricle from the aorta. Opens to allow blood to leave the heart from the left ventricle through the aorta and the body. Prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle. Related valve problems include: aortic regurgitation also called aortic insufficiency , aortic stenosis Essentials for properly working valves The valve is properly formed and flexible.

The valve should open all the way so the blood can pass through. The valve should close tightly so no blood leaks backwards into the chamber. Last Reviewed: May 8, The echo sound waves create an image on a monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over the heart.

This is the best test to evaluate heart valve function. Transesophageal echocardiogram TEE. This test involves passing a small ultrasound transducer down into the esophagus. The sound waves create an image of the valves and chambers of the heart on a computer monitor without the ribs or lungs getting in the way. Chest X-ray. This test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. An X-ray can show enlargement in any area of the heart.

Cardiac catheterization. This test involves the insertion of a tiny, hollow tube catheter through a large artery in the leg or arm leading to the heart to provide images of the heart and blood vessels. This procedure is helpful in determining the type and extent of certain valve disorders.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. In some cases, your doctor may just want to closely watch the heart valve problem for a period.

However, other options include medicine, or surgery to repair or replace the valve. Treatment varies, depending on the type of heart valve disease, and may include:.

Medicines are not a cure for heart valve disease, but treatment can often relieve symptoms. These medicines may include:. Beta-blockers, digoxin, and calcium channel blockers to reduce symptoms of heart valve disease by controlling the heart rate and helping to prevent abnormal heart rhythms.

Medications to control blood pressure, such as diuretics remove excess water from the body by increasing urine output or vasodilators relax the blood vessels, decreasing the force against which the heart must pump to ease the work of the heart. Surgery may be needed to repair or replace the malfunctioning valve s. Surgery may include:.

Heart valve repair. In some cases, surgery on the malfunctioning valve can help ease symptoms. Examples of heart valve repair surgery include remodeling abnormal valve tissue so that the valve works properly, or inserting prosthetic rings to help narrow a dilated valve. In many cases, heart valve repair is preferable, because a person's own tissues are used.

Heart valve replacement. When heart valves are severely malformed or destroyed, they may need to be replaced with a new valve. Replacement valves may be either tissue biologic valves, which include animal valves and donated human aortic valves, or mechanical valves, which can consist of metal, plastic, or another artificial material.

This usually requires heart surgery. But, certain valve diseases such as aortic valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation may be managed using non- surgical methods. Another treatment option that is less invasive than valve repair or replacement surgery is balloon valvuloplasty. This is a non-surgical procedure in which a special catheter hollow tube is threaded into a blood vessel in the groin and guided into the heart.

At the tip of the catheter is a deflated balloon that is inserted into the narrowed heart valve. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to stretch the valve open, and then removed. This procedure is sometimes used to treat pulmonary stenosis and, in some cases, aortic stenosis. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. The 4 heart valves include the following: Tricuspid valve.