Anatomy
The heart has several valves that open and close to allow blood to move through the different chambers in the heart. The valves are different sizes, shapes, and have different numbers of "leaflets". The heart valves include the mitral valve, the aortic valve, the pulmonic valve, and the tricuspid valve. They prevent the backflow of blood from the atria (top chamber of the heart) and the ventricles (bottom chamber of the heart). The valves control the direction of blood flow through the heart. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and ventricle. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The pulmonic valve monitors the outflow of blood between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve connects the outflow tract of the left ventricle with the aorta. The opening and closing of the valve produces the sound of the heartbeat heard with the stethoscope.
Abnormalities of the valves can cause backflow of blood, leaking of blood around the valves or infections in the heart. Abnormalities of the valves can usually be heard with a stethoscope. They are evaluated with echocardiograms and heart catheterization. Treatment for abnormal valves may include medication to help the patient live with and prevent the symptoms that can occur. Surgical repair or replacement of the valve is sometimes necessary. A prolapse of a valve is cause when one of the leaflets is weak and "prolapses" back or bulges the other way. This causes a backward flow of blood as well.
The Arteries that Supply Your Heart With Blood
Several Different arteries that supply the heart with blood surround the heart. Slowly they may become "clogged" or "blocked" from a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol. The build up is plaque, and when it builds up and blocks the artery completely you could have a heart attack or stroke. Angina is chest pain caused when the heart does not get enough blood or oxygen. It causes pain or discomfort. One or more arteries may be blocked at one time. Angina is a sign of heart disease.
When a heart attack or angina happens several things can be done. First the physician will determine different tests that may need to be preformed to evaluate the presence or extent of heart disease. This can be done in the form of echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart), exercise stress testing, EKG analysis, blood tests, and cardiac catheterization (placing a small tube or catheter into the groin area to lead to the heart and then taking special x-rays of the arteries that supply the heart with blood).
After the presence of blockages has been established, treatment options are discussed. The treatment depends on the location of the blockage, the size of the blockage, and the presence of more than one blockage. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, medication, angioplasty (using a balloon to open the blocked area), PTCRA (rota-rooter), DCA, (scrapping procedure), bypass surgery (placed grafts to go around the blockages), and stenting (using a mesh to hold open the blocked areas).
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