Study Offers Insights on How Heart Valves Last so Long

Study offers insights on how heart valves last so long

Collagen plays a critical role in keeping heart valves strong, but the heart is surrounded by enzymes designed to break down collagen. So how can heart valves function efficiently decade after decade? A new study shows that the biomechanical tension applied to these valves every time your heart beats plays a key role in protecting the collagen from breaking down.

Biomechanical strain keeps heart valves strong for decades

Collagen plays a critical role in keeping heart valves strong, but the heart is surrounded by enzymes designed to break down collagen.

How do heart valves last so long?

"These findings advance our understanding of how the heart works, how it fails, and how we can engineer new biomaterials for use in heart valve replacements."