Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition that happens when the aortic valve does not close all the way. The aortic valve is a gate-like structure between the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the rest of the body (aorta). The aortic valve opens when the left ventricle squeezes to pump blood into the aorta, and it closes when the left ventricle relaxes.
In aortic valve regurgitation, which may also be called aortic insufficiency, blood in the aorta leaks through the aortic valve after it has closed. This causes the heart to work harder than usual. If aortic valve regurgitation is not treated, it causes enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle. This can result in heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and other dangerous conditions. If this condition develops suddenly, it may need to be treated with emergency surgery.
What are the causes?
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Severe high blood pressure (hypertension).
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Infections, such as:
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Syphilis.
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Infection of the inner lining of the heart or the heart valves (endocarditis).
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Rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory condition that can develop after an untreated strep throat infection.
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A ballooning of a weak spot in the aorta wall (aortic aneurysm).
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A tear or separation of the inner walls of the aorta (aortic dissection).
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Injury or trauma that damages the aortic valve.
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Certain medicines.
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Disease of a protein in the body called collagen (collagen vascular disease).
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A heart problem called bicuspid aortic valve. This problem is present at birth (congenital).
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Tiredness (fatigue).
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Shortness of breath.
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Difficulty breathing while lying flat (orthopnea). You may need to sleep on two or more pillows to breathe better.
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Chest discomfort (angina).
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Head bobbing.
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A fluttering feeling in the chest.
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An irregular or faster-than-normal heartbeat (palpitations).
Symptoms usually develop gradually, unless this condition was caused by a major injury or by endocarditis.
How is this diagnosed?
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A physical exam.
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A test that creates ultrasound images of the heart (echocardiogram). This test allows your health care provider to see how the heart valves work while your heart is beating.
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You may also have other tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:
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Chest X-ray.
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MRI.
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A test that records the electrical impulses of the heart (electrocardiogram, ECG).
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CT angiogram (CTA). In this procedure, a large X-ray machine, called a CT scanner, takes detailed pictures of blood vessels after dye has been injected into the vessels.
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Aortic angiogram. In this procedure, X-ray images are taken after dye has been injected into blood vessels. This tests the function of the aorta.
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How is this treated?
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Observation. If your condition is mild, you may not need treatment. However, you will need to have your condition checked regularly to make sure it is not getting worse or causing serious problems.
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Medicines that help the heart work more efficiently.
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Surgery to repair or replace the valve, in severe cases. Surgery is usually recommended if the left ventricle enlarges beyond a certain point. If aortic valve regurgitation occurs suddenly, surgery may be needed right away.
Follow these instructions at home:
Eating and drinking
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
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Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Eat a low-salt (low-sodium) diet. Check ingredients and nutrition facts on packaged foods and beverages.
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If you drink alcohol:
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Limit how much you have to:
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0–1 drink a day for women who are not pregnant.
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0–2 drinks a day for men.
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Know how much alcohol is in a drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).
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General instructions
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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If directed by your health care provider, avoid heavy weight lifting and contact sports such as football.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important. You may need regular tests to monitor your condition and check how well your heart is pumping blood.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your angina symptoms are more frequent or seem to be getting worse.
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Your breathing problems seem to be getting worse.
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You feel dizzy or close to fainting.
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You have swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
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You urinate more than usual during the night (nocturia).
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You have an unexplained fever that lasts 2 days or longer.
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You develop new symptoms.
Get help right away if:
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You have severe chest pain.
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You have severe shortness of breath.
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You feel rapid or irregular heartbeats.
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You feel light-headed or you faint.
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You have sudden, unexplained weight gain.
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Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
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Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition in which the aortic valve does not close all the way. This causes the heart to work harder than usual.
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This condition may be treated with observation, medicines, or surgery.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Eat a low-salt (low-sodium) diet. Check ingredients and nutrition facts on packaged foods and beverages.
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Get help right away if you have severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, sudden weight gain, or if you feel light-headed or you faint.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
