Bacteria on an artificial heart valve?
The attachment of bacteria to an artificial heart valve is one of the biggest problems in the field of heart valve replacement. Once bacteria have settled, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) occurs and the bacteria can hardly be removed from the valve. Particularly high risks are associated with infections and interventions in the oral cavity.
From there the bacteria can easily be carried away to the heart. It is therefore essential that patients inform their dentist that they have an artificial heart valve. This can be treated preventively with antibiotics.
Does an artificial heart valve tick?
The ticking of an artificial heart valve is basically present at every valve closure. However, it is usually only audible in the resting state. The noise is caused by two metallic parts colliding with each other when the valve closes.
The valve itself hits the fastening ring, triggering a mechanical click. The noise depends on the structure of the heart valve and the anatomical situation of the heart in which it was installed. More modern valves are also particularly quiet.
