aortic valve
Quick Summary
The aortic valve is one of two semilunar valves in the heart, located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Its primary function is to allow blood to flow from the ventricle into the aorta while preventing any backward flow into the ventricle. This valve is composed of connective tissue and endocardium.12
Problems with the aortic valve can lead to serious health issues. Aortic insufficiency occurs when the valve fails to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricle, potentially causing heart failure. Conversely, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the valve passage, obstructing blood flow and also leading to heart failure. These conditions can stem from congenital defects, rheumatic heart disease, calcium buildup with age, or inflammation.341
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
cardiovascular diseaseAbnormalities of the valvesā¦the cardiac valves affects the aortic valve. The normal aortic valve usually has three cusps, or leaflets, but the valve is bicuspid in 1 to 2 percent of the population. A bicuspid aortic valve is not necessarily life-threatening, but in some persons it becomes thickened and obstructed (stenotic). With ageā¦
Read Moreā¦the cardiac valves affects the aortic valve. The normal aortic valve usually has three cusps, or leaflets, but the valve is bicuspid in 1 to 2 percent of the population. A bicuspid aortic valve is not necessarily life-threatening, but in some persons it becomes thickened and obstructed (stenotic). With ageā¦
Read More
cardiovascular diseaseRheumatic heart diseaseInvolvement of the aortic valve is common, and again there may be evidence of stenosis or insufficiency. The presence of aortic stenosis may lead to a marked hypertrophy (enlargement) of the left ventricle of the heart. Involvement of either the tricuspid or pulmonic valve occurs in a similarā¦
Read MoreInvolvement of the aortic valve is common, and again there may be evidence of stenosis or insufficiency. The presence of aortic stenosis may lead to a marked hypertrophy (enlargement) of the left ventricle of the heart. Involvement of either the tricuspid or pulmonic valve occurs in a similarā¦
Read More
cardiovascular diseaseAortic valve stenosisAlthough mild aortic valve stenosis is manageable in children, deterioration may occur with growth. Severe aortic stenosis in infancy and childhood may be associated with either sudden death or heart failure. The usual basis for the stenosis is fusion of the valve, which is usually bicuspid ratherā¦
Read MoreAlthough mild aortic valve stenosis is manageable in children, deterioration may occur with growth. Severe aortic stenosis in infancy and childhood may be associated with either sudden death or heart failure. The usual basis for the stenosis is fusion of the valve, which is usually bicuspid ratherā¦
Read More
