The heart's pumping action depends on the functioning of the heart valves. There is a one-way valve at the exit of each of the four chambers. The closing of these valves is responsible for the sounds made by the beating heart. Papillary muscles help hold the valves in place. Often the valves will last a lifetime, but they may also become damaged.
Regurgitant valves allow some blood to flow backwards into the heart.
Stenotic valves hinder the forward flow of blood. Endocarditis infections and rheumatic fever are the most common cause of damage to the heart. If a heart valve is sufficiently damaged it may be replaced by an artificial valve. Replacement Options Heart valve replacement is one of the most common heart surgeries, and generally the replacement has a very high success rate. One or all of the four heart valves may become leaky or stenoic.