circulation

• Blood flow in circulatory system

  • Must flow one way only
  • Valves in heart, aorta and veins ensure one-way flow
• Valve closure


  Prevents back flow
• Faulty heart valves


  • May not open as wide as they should, restricting blood flow through the heart
  • May not close properly and allow blood to leak back through into the atrium
• Valve not opening wide enough

  Less blood reaches the body, pressure builds up and the lungs can swell with fluid
• A patient will not always have symptoms
• A scan of the heart can diagnose the problem
• Symptoms when present


  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Chest pain
• When symptoms are present


  The problem can lead to heart failure
• Faulty heart valves can be replaced with

  • A biological valve from a human donor
  • A valve made from animal tissue from a pig or cow
  • A mechanical valve made from strong, durable materials
• Mechanical valves


  • Last longer
  • Blood can clot on them
• Biological valves


  • More likely to wear out
• Mechanical valves


  Patient may need long-term medication that prevents blood clots developing