The aortic valve has three flaps that work like a one-way gate. When
the heart pumps, the aortic valve opens to allow oxygen-rich blood to flow from
the left ventricle into the aorta. When the heart rests between beats, the
aortic valve closes to keep blood from flowing backward into the heart.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
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Last Revised
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November 2, 2011 |
Last Revised:
November 2, 2011
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology