Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
AORTIC
REGURGITATION
About Your
Diagnosis
The aorta is the large artery
that leaves the heart from the left ventricle. The aortic valve is between the
left ventricle and the aorta. Aortic regurgitation (also called aortic
insufficiency) is the leaking of blood from the aorta back through the
aortic valve into the left ventricle when the ventricle is contracting. This
causes the left ventricle to swell over time to compensate for the extra blood
in it. Left heart failure may occur after many years if this should happen. If
the valve regurgitation is more severe, it may cause failure sooner. Because the
valve is not functioning normally, the blood flowing through creates a
turbulence called a heart murmur. Aortic regurgitation is caused by a
defect in the aortic valve. This may be caused by infections such as rheumatic
fever (usually from streptococcal infections earlier in life) or endocarditis (a
bacterial infection in the heart). Aortic regurgitation also may be caused by
enlargement of the base of the aorta from injury or a genetic condition. It is
detected by means of listening to the heart with a stethoscope and hearing a
specific type of murmur in a specific area. If the patient already has symptoms
of heart failure, the signs are found during an examination or on a chest
radiograph (x-ray). An echocardiogram (ultrasound examination of the heart) is
performed to give a better view of the
valve.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Most patients with aortic
regurgitation have no symptoms. The symptoms that do occur are those of heart
failure, such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, especially when lying down,
coughing, or shortness of breath. Some patients feel chest pain or pain in the
upper middle back. Abnormally functioning valves are often targets for
infection. If you have aortic valve problems, you should take antibiotics as
prescribed before and after dental or surgical procedures. If you have no
symptoms, no changes in lifestyle or treatment are needed. Smoking and obesity
strain the heart. Lose weight and stop smoking to lessen the workload of the
heart. If you have no symptoms, you can
exercise.
Treatment
If
symptoms exist, the therapy is similar to that for heart failure. This means
weight loss, stopping smoking, restricting salt and excess fluid in the diet,
and rest. Medications may be needed. Once symptoms of aortic regurgitation
occur, aortic valve replacement may be
necessary.
The
DOs
•Exercise
regularly.
•Lose extra body
weight.
•Take antibiotics (if
prescribed) before and after dental or surgical
procedures.
The
DON’Ts
•Do not be concerned
if you have no symptoms.
•Do not
delay treatment if you do have
symptoms.
When to Call Your
Doctor
•If symptoms develop such
as shortness of breath, chest or upper back pain, palpitations or rapid
heartbeat, or fainting.