What it means
When the left ventricleVEN-trih-kulOne of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.Full entry squeezes, the aortic valve opens and blood flows into the aorta; when the ventricle relaxes, the valve closes so blood does not flow back. A stiff, narrowed valve is aortic stenosis; a leaky valve is aortic regurgitation. A damaged valve can be replaced in open-heart surgery or through a catheter (TAVR).
For the nurse
Listen for murmurs at the aortic area, the second space between the ribs on the right side of the breastbone.
At a glance
| Spanish | válvula aórtica |
|---|---|
| Also written | aortic valves |
Related terms
ventricle
One of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.
cardiac output
The amount of blood the heart pumps out in one minute.
cardiac
Relating to the heart.