Aortic valve regurgitation: Overview
The aortic valve works like a one-way gate. It opens so that blood can leave the heart and flow to the rest of the body. When the heart rests between beats, the aortic valve closes to keep blood from flowing backward into the heart. When the aortic valve does not close properly, some of the blood leaks back (regurgitates) through the valve into the heart. Then your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.
You can have this condition for many years before it gets worse and you have symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your heart. You may take medicine to lower blood pressure or help relieve symptoms. If the disease becomes severe, you may choose to have surgery to replace the valve.
Aortic valve regurgitation
Aortic valve regurgitation is the backflow of blood from the aorta through the aortic valve into the left ventricle. If enough blood flows back into the heart, it can increase the workload on the left ventricle (lower left chamber), causing damage.
When the heart pumps, the aortic valve opens to let oxygen-rich blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the heart rests between beats, the aortic valve closes to keep blood from flowing backward into the heart. In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close properly. With each heartbeat, some of the blood pumped into the aorta leaks back (regurgitates) through the faulty valve into the left ventricle.
What are the symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation?
Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain or pressure (angina), especially when you're active. You may have trouble breathing at night. You may feel tired and weak. Some people feel very aware of their heartbeat, especially when lying down, or feel their heart beating unevenly (palpitations).
How is aortic valve regurgitation treated?
Your doctor will see you regularly. Your doctor will recommend a heart-healthy lifestyle. You may take medicine to lower blood pressure, relieve symptoms, or help your heart work better. You may choose to have surgery to replace the valve.
How is aortic valve regurgitation diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and past health. You may have an electrocardiogram. Tests like an echocardiogram help confirm the diagnosis. Tests can show how much the valve is leaking and how well the left ventricle of your heart is working.
How can you care for yourself when you have aortic valve regurgitation?
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you're having a problem with your medicine.
- Call your doctor if you have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
- Be active. Ask your doctor what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
- Don't smoke.
- Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
- Manage other health problems. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
- Take care of your teeth and gums. Get regular dental checkups. Good dental health is important because bacteria can spread from infected teeth and gums to the heart valves.
How can you decide if aortic valve regurgitation surgery is right for you?
You and your doctor can talk about many things to see if you want to have aortic valve replacement surgery. Together, you can weigh the benefits of surgery against your risks.
You may decide to have surgery if the regurgitation is bad enough that it can or has damaged your heart.
To help you decide, your doctor may check:
- Your overall health.
- How severe the aortic valve regurgitation is.
- Your symptoms, if you have any.
- Your ejection fraction. (This is a measure of how much blood your heart pumps out to your body.)
- The size of your left ventricle.
If you are having another heart surgery, such as bypass surgery, you may choose to have valve replacement at the same time.
If your condition has been getting worse slowly, you may choose to wait a little longer before you have a valve replacement.
Aortic valve regurgitation
In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close completely. The valve lets blood leak back (regurgitate) into the heart.
In a normal heart, the aortic valve opens to let oxygen-rich blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The aortic valve closes completely when the heart rests between beats. The closed valve stops blood from flowing backward into the heart. But in aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close completely. So with each heartbeat some of the blood pumped into the aorta leaks back into the left ventricle.
What causes aortic valve regurgitation?
Any condition that damages the aortic valve can cause aortic regurgitation. Causes of long-term aortic valve regurgitation include heart problems you're born with, calcium buildup on the valve, and an enlarged aorta. Causes of sudden aortic valve regurgitation include endocarditis and trauma to the heart or aorta.
Aortic valve regurgitation: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have signs of acute aortic valve regurgitation such as:
- Severe shortness of breath.
- A rapid heart rate.
- Lightheadedness.
- You have symptoms of sudden heart failure such as:
- Severe trouble breathing.
- Coughing up pink, foamy mucus.
- A new irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
- You have new or increased shortness of breath.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
- You have new or increased swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
- You are suddenly so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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