Disorders of Heart Valves
Conditions, when one or more heart Valves malfunction are referred to as heart Valve disorders. Heart Valve problems come in several forms and can impact either the Semilunar or atrioventricular (AV) valves. Heart Valve conditions that are common include:
- Stenosis: Reduced blood flow through a heart Valve due to constriction or narrowing of the Valve is called stenosis.
- Regurgitation: Blood might seep backward through a heart Valve when it should be closed, a condition known as regurgitation.
- Prolapse: When ventricular contraction causes a Valve’s flaps, typically the mitral Valve, to prolapse, the valve collapses or bulges backward into the atrium.
- Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or the heart Valves is known as endocarditis.
- Congenital heart Valve disorder: Some people have abnormally shaped or malfunctioning cardiac Valves from birth.
- Rheumatic Cardiac diseases: Untreated Streptococcal infections can cause rheumatic fever, which can cause inflammation and damage to the heart Valves.
Difference between AV Valves and Semilunar Valves
AV Valves and Semilunar Valves are the two types of Valves that help in blood flow regulation. The heart’s atrioventricular (AV) Valves are unique Valves that are essential for controlling blood flow between the ventricles, which are the lower chambers, and the atria, which are the upper chambers. An individual’s heart contains two AV Valves Tricuspid and Bicuspid Valves.
To maintain a unidirectional flow of blood through the heart, the opening and shutting of AV Valves is synchronized with the cardiac cycle. The human heart contains two Valves called Semilunar Valves, which are positioned at the ventricle exits and are essential for controlling blood flow out of the heart. Just like AV Valves, Semilunar Valves are also of two types including pulmonary and aortic Valves.
Table of Content
- Difference Between AV Valves and Semilunar Valves
- What are Heart Valves?
- What are AV Valves?
- What are Semilunar Valves?
- Functions of Heart Valves
- Disorders of Heart Valves