Your heart relies on several components to function efficiently. Among these, the aortic valve plays a pivotal role. Located between your heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) and the aorta (the largest artery in your body), the aortic valve acts as a gatekeeper for blood flow. This small valve consists of three thin, crescent-shaped flaps of tissue called leaflets, or cusps. These leaflets open and close with each heartbeat, ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction.

With every beat of your heart, the aortic valve springs into action. As your left ventricle contracts, it pushes oxygen-rich blood towards the valve. The pressure causes the valve’s leaflets to open wide, allowing blood to flow into the aorta and onward to the rest of your body. Once the ventricle has emptied, the leaflets quickly snap shut, preventing blood from flowing back into the heart. This one-way traffic system is crucial for maintaining proper blood circulation throughout your body.

Problems with your aortic valve can have serious consequences for your overall health. If the valve becomes narrowed (a condition known as aortic stenosis) or doesn’t close properly (aortic regurgitation), your heart must work harder to pump blood effectively. Over time, this extra strain can lead to heart failure, chest pain, shortness of breath, and other complications.

While you can’t directly control the health of your aortic valve, you can take steps to support your overall heart health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can help reduce your risk of developing valve problems. Regular check-ups with our expert cardiologists in Atlanta are also crucial for the early detection and management of any potential issues.

If you have concerns about your heart health or are experiencing symptoms that might indicate a valve problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of specialized cardiologists in Atlanta. With advanced diagnostic tools and years of experience, they can provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to keep your heart, including your crucial aortic valve, functioning at its best.

If you have other questions, we are happy to help. CVG provides comprehensive, compassionate care that features these benefits:

Comprehensive care from top cardiologists. Please review the details about cardiac tests and procedures on this page on our website. With this information and our Atlanta cardiologists’ expertise, we can work together to ensure your heart health. At all CVG locations, you can get ten heart care services. These include full diagnostic tests, treatments, and procedures that cover every aspect of cardiac care.

State-of-the-art, expert cardiac care that treats you with dignity. When you make an appointment, we focus on your specific needs. Your voice will be heard as an active participant in your care. We treat your heart and provide care with dignity and respect.

Open communication makes everything better. You can get the care you need at CVG because we clearly explain your treatment options and use an easy-to-understand billing system. We make it simple for you to talk to us, view your records, and get test results.

CVG offers eleven convenient Atlanta-area locations. Whichever CVG location you choose, you will find top cardiologists dedicated to providing exceptional care. We will encourage you and support your health throughout your time with us.

To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.