Heart valve diseases are common in India, particularly among older adults. Many people don't know they have valve disease or complain of any symptoms. In fact, most valvular diseases are diagnosed during a routine check-up. As per a study, India contributes 25–50 % to the global burden of rheumatic heart disease. Congenital heart disease, infectious endocarditis, and degenerative valve disease are some of the causes of valvular heart disease.
Heart valves are essential structures in your heart that regulate blood flow in the heart chambers. Four valves in your heart ensure one-way blood flows through your heart. These heart valves have tiny flaps called leaflets that allow forward movement of blood and prevent backward flow.
The four valves are:
The mitral valve, a valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
The tricuspid valve, a valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.
The aortic valve is a valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.
The pulmonary valve is a valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
Deoxygenated blood from your body enters the right atrium. Then via the tricuspid valve, it goes into the right ventricle. From here, via pulmonary valve, blood goes to the pulmonary artery to reach the lungs. After this blood is oxygenated in the lungs, it returns to the left atrium via pulmonary veins, through the pulmonary valve. Later, blood from the left atrium enters your left ventricle via the mitral valve. And via the aortic valve, it goes to other parts of your body. The issues with these heart valves can cause several heart conditions, including heart failure.
At Aster Hospitals, we provide complete treatment for all types of heart valve diseases. A highly experienced team of doctors and trained clinical staff of the cardiology department ensure the best care for you.
