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Heart valves

Heart valves

Overview

The valves of the heart open and close to control the flow of blood entering or leaving the heart.

Review Date 4/28/2026

Updated by: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.