Aortic regurgitation (aortic insufficiency)
About Aortic regurgitation (aortic insufficiency)
The valve does not close normally causing blood that has been pumped out of the heart and into the aorta to fall back down into the heart. The aortic valve separates the left ventricle and the aorta. The valve opens allowing blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and then closes preventing blood from flowing backward. In aortic regurgitation the valve does not close normally enabling the blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This back flow forces the heart to work much harder, and can result in an abnormal enlargement of the heart (cardiomyopathy) and heart failure. The most common causes are degeneration of the valve with age, infection (endocarditis), congenital abnormality, and rheumatic fever.Symptoms
Symptoms may develop gradually and include: bounding pulse, chest pain, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath with activity (dyspnea on exertion), shortness of breath when lying down (orthopnea), weakness, racing heart, palpitations.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. The provider can sometimes hear an abnormal heart sound called a murmur. Diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), MRI and/or coronary angiography.Common tests: Cardiac catheterization, Echocardiogram, Transesophageal echocardiogram.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the extent of the back flow of blood, the symptoms being experienced and the damage that has occurred to the heart. Treatment includes: medications to improve the heart function, surgical replacement of the valve, surgical repair of the valve, or observation. Artificial heart valves are made from tissue or metal. Metal valves last longer but require lifelong blood thinners such as warfarin/Coumadin. Tissue valves are made from pig, bovine or human cadaver tissue and do not require blood thinner medications but do not last as long and many times have to be replaced. Medications that may be used include diuretics, vasodilators and anti-arrhythmic if there is an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection of the valve before dental work, gastrointestinal procedures, and urinary tract procedures.Medical specialties
Cardiothoracic Surgery · Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Aortic regurgitation (aortic insufficiency).