1. What happens when heart valves don’t work properly?

When heart valves don’t open or close correctly, they can either restrict blood flow (stenosis) or allow blood to leak backward (regurgitation), leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

2. Can heart valves be repaired, or do they need to be replaced?

Many heart valve problems can be repaired with surgery or minimally invasive procedures. If repair isn’t possible, the valve may need to be replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.

3. What causes the heartbeat sound?

The “lub-dub” sound of the heartbeat comes from heart valves closing—“lub” is the sound of the mitral and tricuspid valves closing, and “dub” is from the aortic and pulmonary valves closing.

4. What is the main function of heart valves?

The main function of heart valves is to control blood flow through the heart’s chambers, ensuring it moves in the right direction and preventing any backflow.