Let's learn about the Aortic Valve: One of the most important gates in our heart.

We all hear a sound inside our chest that goes "lub-dub...lub-dub..." all the time, right? That's the sound of our heart beating. This heart is an amazing machine that pumps blood throughout our body. But for this machine to work properly, some of the little doors inside it, or rather valves, need to work properly. Today we are going to talk about one of the most important of those valves, the "Aortic Valve," which acts like the main gate that sends blood to our body.

What is the Aortic Valve?

Simply put, the aortic valve is one of the four main valves in our heart. Think of our heart as a house with four rooms. We call these four rooms:

• Atria: These are the two upper chambers. The right atrium and the left atrium.
• Ventricles: These are the two lower chambers. The right ventricle and the left ventricle.

As blood flows back and forth between these chambers, these valves are there to stop the blood from flowing back in the wrong direction. These valves are like doors that only open in one direction.

The aortic valve is located in a very important place. That is, between the left ventricle, the main chamber that pumps clean, oxygenated blood to our entire body, and the aorta, the largest blood vessel that carries that blood throughout the body. To be precise, this aortic valve is the main gate through which blood leaves the heart.

How does the aortic valve work? The blood flow in the heart...

To understand this, let's take a look at how blood moves inside the heart. It's very simple.

1. First, the blood that has been used in our body and is low in oxygen comes to the right side of the heart.

2. The right side pumps that blood to the lungs. The lungs re-oxygenate that blood.

3. The new, clean blood, full of oxygen, is now coming to the left side of the heart.

4. This is where our protagonist, the aortic valve, comes into play. When the left ventricle on the left side of the heart contracts strongly and pushes blood out, the aortic valve opens wide .

5. Through the open valve, oxygenated blood enters the aorta, which is where blood is distributed throughout our body from head to toe.

6. After the blood has been ejected, the aortic valve closes immediately . It closes to stop the blood that has entered the aorta from leaking back into the heart.

What are the parts of the aortic valve?

In a normal, healthy aortic valve, there are three thin, strong pieces of tissue that we call "leaflets or cusps." When the heart beats, these three flaps open wide to let blood through, and then close tightly together.

But some people are born with only two of these valves. This condition is called a bicuspid aortic valve . Although this does not cause any problems for many years, there is a small risk that the valve will develop problems in the future.

What are the conditions that affect the aortic valve?

Over time, due to infections, or due to certain congenital causes, the aortic valve can become dysfunctional. There are several main problems that can be seen.

Is there a treatment for a valve problem?

Yes, definitely. The treatment regimen depends on the nature and severity of the disease, and the patient's overall health. In some mild cases, your doctor may prescribe medication, advise you to make lifestyle changes, and regularly check you.

However, if the damage to the valve is severe, surgery may be necessary. Today, there are many advanced methods for this.

A new method called TAVR

One of these special procedures is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) .

This involves a very minor procedure, rather than a major surgery that involves opening the chest.

• The doctor will insert a catheter , a thin, flexible tube, through a blood vessel in your leg or chest all the way to your heart.
• Inside this tube, a new artificial valve is sent to the heart.
• The new valve is installed in the same place as the old, damaged valve. Sometimes, it is inflated with something like a small balloon and set in place.
• Then the tube is removed.

This method is much less risky and has a faster recovery than traditional open-heart surgery. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you.

How can I keep my aortic valve and heart healthy?

Our heart is something we need to take good care of. Following a healthy lifestyle can keep not only the heart valves, but the entire heart healthy.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Try to maintain a healthy body weight that is appropriate for your height and age.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Eat less salt, oil, and sugar, and add more vegetables, fruits, herbs, and fibrous whole grains to your diet.
• Exercise: Do some form of exercise that makes you sweat, at least 5 days a week, for at least 30 minutes a day. Walking, running, or swimming are good options.
• Manage stress: Keep your mind relaxed by doing things like meditation, yoga, talking to friends, and engaging in a hobby.
• Avoid smoking completely: Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of the heart. Quit the habit today.

If you have any suspicions of heart disease, chest pain, or symptoms such as difficulty breathing, do not delay and see your doctor immediately. He or she will conduct the necessary tests and provide you with the necessary advice.