What is the purpose of heart valves and what are 3 possible pathologies relating to valve dysfunction?

The heart consists of four chambers – two atria (top chambers) and two ventricles (bottom chambers). Heart valves are thin flaps of tissue that lie between the atria and ventricles, and at the outlets from the ventricles to the main arteries. They are located within the heart to help control the flow of blood through the heart and out to the body. When the heart muscle contracts, the valves open and allow blood to flow from one chamber to the next, or out of the heart. When the heart muscle relaxes, the valves close, preventing blood from flowing backward into the heart's chambers.

A healthy heart valve opens and closes properly to allow blood to flow through the heart in one direction. Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the valves don't work properly. Heart valve disease can be caused by a number of factors, including:

- Infection: Infections, such as rheumatic fever and endocarditis, can damage the heart valves.

- Wear and tear: The heart valves can become worn and thickened over time, especially in older people.

- Birth defects: Some people are born with heart valve defects.

- Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as connective tissue disorders and atherosclerosis, can also damage the heart valves.

The three most common types of heart valve pathologies are:

- Stenosis: Stenosis occurs when a heart valve does not open fully, which obstructs blood flow.

- Regurgitation (insufficiency): Regurgitation occurs when a heart valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.

- Prolapse: Prolapse occurs when a heart valve leaflet bulges into the atrium or ventricle when the valve closes.