Our heart is an amazing organ. From the day we are born until the day we die, it works non-stop for a single second. Like a smart pump, it pumps blood throughout the body. There are many small parts that help it function properly. Have you ever wondered how blood flows in only one direction inside the heart, without flowing backward? That is what the "valves" in the heart help with. Today we are talking about one such special valve, the pulmonary valve.
Simply put, what is the pulmonary valve?
Imagine that your heart has four chambers. Two on top and two on the bottom. This pulmonary valve is like a one-way gate between the lower chamber on the right side of the heart (the right ventricle) and the main blood vessel that carries blood to the lungs (the pulmonary artery) .
Its main function is to control the flow of "dirty" blood, which has been used up in our body and is low in oxygen, from the heart to the lungs for purification. After the blood has passed through, this gate closes to prevent it from flowing back into the heart.
This pulmonary valve, along with the aortic valve on the other side of the heart, are collectively called the "semilunar valves." This is because the leaflets/flaps on these valves are shaped like a half-moon. Sometimes doctors also call this the "pulmonic valve," which is the same thing.
How does this valve work? It's amazing!
The way this little door works is amazing. It's like it's dancing, opening and closing in perfect rhythm with the heartbeat.
- Systolic phase: When the right ventricle contracts, the blood inside it is ejected. At that time, the pulmonary valve opens . Then, the oxygen-poor blood enters the pulmonary artery, which goes to the lungs.
- Diastolic phase: When the heart relaxes after it has finished contracting, or when it relaxes, the pulmonary valve closes tightly . If it doesn't close, blood sent to the lungs could flow back into the heart. This valve prevents that from happening. It is when this valve is closed that the right ventricle fills with blood to pump the next round.
Simply put, it's like a traffic cop on a road. He only lets the blood flow in one direction and completely stops it from flowing back.
Special Use: Ross Procedure
In addition to this valve's normal function, it is also used for another surprising purpose: when the more important aortic valve in the heart becomes diseased, this pulmonary valve is implanted instead.
This is called the Ross procedure. It is a slightly more complicated procedure. In this procedure, the surgeon removes your diseased aortic valve and replaces it with your own healthy pulmonary valve. Then, a donor pulmonary valve is transplanted into the place where the pulmonary valve used to be. Because it is your own tissue, it fits well and lasts a long time.
What are the diseases that affect this valve?
Most often, problems with the pulmonary valve are related to congenital heart conditions . This means that a baby can have these problems at birth. Very rarely, problems with this valve can develop later in life due to other medical conditions (for example, pulmonary hypertension).
Let's simply understand these main medical conditions from the table below.
| Condition | Simply put, this is what happens... |
|---|---|
| Pulmonary atresia | This is a congenital condition. What happens here is that the pulmonary valve does not develop properly. It's like a wall is built where there should be a door. Blood cannot get to the lungs. This can cause the baby to turn blue (cyanosis) at birth. |
| Tetralogy of Fallot | This is also a complex congenital heart disease. Here, four heart defects occur together. One of those defects is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve and the aorta. Because this is a serious condition, the baby will need surgery to correct it. |
| Pulmonary valve stenosis | What happens here is that the valve opening becomes narrow. Then the heart has to work very hard to pump blood out. In most cases, this is also something that is present at birth. Some people have treatment to widen the valve, while others have to have the valve replaced. |
| Absent pulmonary valve | This is a very rare, congenital condition. In this condition, the leaflets of the valve may be missing or not develop properly. This causes the valve to narrow and not close properly, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitation). |
| Pulmonary valve regurgitation | What happens here is that the valve doesn't close properly. So when the heart relaxes, some of the blood pumped to the lungs flows back into the right ventricle. This is mild in most people. But in severe cases, the right ventricle can become enlarged and weak, and the body can fill with fluid and swell (edema). |
Is it possible to live without a pulmonary valve?
The straight answer to this question is "no." The pulmonary valve is a vital part of our body's blood journey to the lungs to get oxygen. Without a properly functioning valve, we cannot live.
But the most important thing we need to understand here is that with today's advanced medical treatments, these conditions can be successfully treated . If left untreated, babies and adults with severe pulmonary valve disease can have a shortened lifespan. Therefore, if you or your child has this condition, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about the treatment options and the future of your life.
How do we keep this valve healthy?
We can't prevent congenital heart disease. But there are many things we can do to protect ourselves from problems later in life and to keep our hearts healthy overall. Try to incorporate these into your life.
- Avoid smoking completely: All forms of tobacco, not just cigarettes and vapes, are very bad for the heart. If you're having trouble quitting, ask your doctor for help.
- Stop or greatly limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol is not good for heart health.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Reduce foods high in oil, salt, and sugar. Include more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
- Exercise regularly: As recommended by your doctor, engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, for at least 150 minutes a week.
- Control diseases like high blood pressure and cholesterol: If you have these diseases, use the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Get an annual medical checkup: Even if you don't have any illnesses, see a doctor at least once a year to check your health.
- Especially for expectant mothers: If you are pregnant, attend the appropriate clinics and get the necessary advice and treatment. This can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as congenital heart disease.
Learning about the structure of the heart and how its parts work can sometimes seem a little complicated. Especially when you find out that you or your child has a heart condition. It can be hard to take in a lot of information at once. But remember, your doctor is always there to help you and answer your questions. Never be afraid to ask anything that's on your mind, no matter how small.
Take-Home Message
- The pulmonary valve is an important, one-way valve that allows oxygen-poor blood to travel to the lungs for purification.
- Many diseases related to this valve can be congenital. Be very careful about symptoms such as a blue color in a newborn baby.
- If you have any symptoms of heart disease or suspect it, see a doctor immediately.
- Thanks to today's advanced surgical and treatment methods, many people can successfully treat these conditions and live healthy lives.
- A heart-healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking) can protect heart health in the long term.
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