Aortic Valve Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Aortic valve disease is a condition in which the valve between the main pumping chamber of the heart, namely the left ventricle, and the main blood vessel in the body, namely the aorta, does not function properly. Aortic valve disease can be present at birth or can also occur due to other causes.
The two types of aortic valve disease that can occur are:
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Aortic valve stenosis
In this condition, the flap that is on the aortic valve can thicken and become stiff, or coalesce.
This can lead to the narrowing of the aortic valve opening. The narrowed valve cannot open fully, which causes a decrease or obstruction to blood flow from the heart to the aorta and all other parts of the body.
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Aortic valve regurgitation
In this condition, the aortic valve cannot close completely, which causes backflow of blood into the left ventricle.
Treatment for this condition depends on the type and severity of aortic valve disease. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the aortic valve.
Symptom
Some people with aortic valve disease may go without symptoms for a long time. However, signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease can include:
- Abnormal heart sounds (heart murmurs) heard through a stethoscope
- Shortness of breath, especially after exertion or when lying down
- feeling dizzy
- Faint
- Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling tired after activity or having decreased activity ability
- Not eating enough food (especially in children with aortic valve stenosis)
- Not gaining enough weight (especially in children with aortic valve stenosis)
- Swelling of the ankles and feet
Reason
The heart has four valves that support blood flow in the right direction, namely the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve. Each valve has flaps that open and close when the heart contracts and relaxes. Sometimes, the valves don’t open or close completely, which can impair blood flow through the heart and potentially hinder its ability to pump blood to the body’s tissues.
In aortic valve disease, the aortic valve between the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) and the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the organs of the body (aorta) does not function properly. The valve may not close completely, causing backflow of blood into the left ventricle (regurgitation), or the valve may become narrowed (stenosis).
Aortic valve disease can be caused by a heart defect that has been present since birth. It can also be caused by other conditions, including age-related heart changes, infection, high blood pressure, or injury to the heart.
Some of the risk factors for aortic valve disease are:
- Older age
- Presence of another heart condition present at birth (congenital heart disease)
- History of heart infection
- Chronic kidney disease
- History of radiation therapy to the chest
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of heart valve disease can be determined based on medical interviews, physical examinations, and certain supporting examinations. The doctor can use a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds and determine if there are heart murmurs which could indicate an abnormality in the heart valves.
In addition, some supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
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Echocardiogram
This examination uses sound waves to produce video images of the heart. This exam can also be used to evaluate the heart chambers, aortic valve, and blood flow through the heart.
An echocardiographic examination can help your doctor evaluate whether there are conditions that affect the aortic valve, as well as the severity of these conditions.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This test uses electrodes placed on the skin to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG can detect enlarged heart chambers, heart disease, or abnormal heart rhythms.
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Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray can help your doctor determine if you have an enlarged heart, which can indicate certain types of aortic valve disease.
In addition, you can also see an enlargement of the aortic blood vessels or a buildup of calcium in the aortic valve. Not only that, a chest X-ray examination can also help doctors evaluate the condition of the lungs.
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Computerized tomography (CT) of the heart
A cardiac CT exam uses serial X-rays to produce detailed images of the heart and heart valves. Doctors can use this type of imaging exam to evaluate the size of the aorta and get a closer look at the aortic valve.
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Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
An MRI of the heart uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart. This examination can be used to determine the degree of severity of the condition experienced and evaluate the size of the aorta.
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Exercise test or stress test
Examination of the exercise test can help doctors evaluate the presence of signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease when doing physical activity. In addition, this examination can also help determine the degree of severity of the condition being experienced.
Treatment
Treatment for aortic valve disease depends on the severity of the condition, signs and symptoms, and worsening conditions. In people who have no symptoms or experience mild symptoms, doctors can monitor the condition by advising the individual to carry out routine controls.
In most cases, surgery is required to repair or replace a defective aortic valve. The surgical options that can be performed are:
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Repairing the aortic valve
To repair the aortic valve, the treating doctor can do several things. These actions include separating flaps that have fused together, removing excess valve tissue to allow the flaps to seal tightly, or patching holes in the valves.
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Replacing the aortic valve
Replacement of the aortic valve is done by removing the damaged valve and replacing it with a mechanical valve or a valve made from biological tissue.
Prevention
Because aortic valve disease is often an inherited condition, there is not known a completely effective way to prevent this condition. However, several things that are known to increase the risk of developing aortic valve disease are a history of previous heart infections, chronic kidney disease, and a history of radiation to the chest.