Healthy Heart

Aortic Valve vs Mitral Valve

The valves are one of the most important parts of the heart. They are located inside the chambers of the heart. They perform a very important function in the whole circulatory system. However, there is a lot of difference between the mitral valve and the aortic valve. Have you ever wondered about the difference between the two? Let’s find out the main ones-I’m sure you will be fascinated by them.
Location-The main difference between the two relates to their location. While the mitral valve is located between the left ventricle and the left atrium, the aortic valve is located between the left aorta and the left ventricle.

Flaps-Another important difference is that the aortic valve contains three flaps while the mitral valve contains just 2.These flaps help the valves work as one way channels that either let in the blood or let it out. They perform a crucial function by preventing the back flow of blood into other chambers.

Synchronization- These functions are performed in a way that is purely fascinating! Did you know that their functioning is perfectly synchronized? When the left ventricle contracts, it results in the closure of the aortic valve. At the same time, the mitral valve opens and the blood flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle.
Again, when the left ventricle contracts once again to let in fresh blood, the mitral valve closes and results in the opening of the aortic valve! Makes you wonder at the workings of Mother Nature, doesn’t it?
There are two basic types of valves that are used to replace a malfunctioning valve- modern mechanical valves and tissue heart valves. Mechanical valves do require lifelong monitoring. However, tissue heart valves do not require anticoagulant drugs to function through life. However, they do have a limited lifespan.

Diseases- One of the most common conditions affecting the mitral valve is a mitral valve collapse. This is a condition where the valves lose their muscular power and collapse into the atrium. Another common disease of the mitral valve is regurgitation, where the blood is thrown back into the chamber it left, instead of being passed down.

On the other hand, the most common disease of the aortic valves is the aortic valve disease. It refers to a narrowing of the aortic valve. Due to this, the blood is not transmitted freely into the next chamber. This means that the heart has to work more in order to make the blood pass through the valve.

Summary:

• The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle while the aortic valve is located between the left aorta and the left ventricle.

• The aortic valve has three flaps, like the other valves. However, the mitral valve has only two.

• The aortic valve closes when the mitral valve opens and vice versa.

• The mitral valve may fall prey to a mitral valve prolapse, which refers to a loosening of the muscles. An aortic valve is more susceptible to a narrowing and causes lesser flow to the next chamber. This is called an aortic valve disease.

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