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Definition

The left ventricle of the heart is a muscular chamber. This chamber pumps blood from the heart to the entire body. The blood is pushed through the aortic valve into a major artery, called the aorta. After each heart beat, the valve closes tightly to keep blood flowing away from the heart.

If you have this condition, the valve does not close tightly. Blood leaks from the aorta back into the heart. Most people do not have symptoms and may not need treatment. But, you should talk to your doctor if you think you have this condition. You will need to have tests and get proper treatment.

Aortic Valve Insufficiency

FS00001_96472_1_Aortic Valve Regurgitation Insufficiency.jpg
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Causes

Aortic insufficiency can be caused by:

  • Birth defect in which the aortic valve is bicuspid (two valves), instead of tricuspid (three valves)
  • Family history of aortic valve disorder
  • Severe high blood pressure]]>
  • Bacterial infection of the aortic valve
  • Injury to the aortic valve

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Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing aortic insufficiency:

  • Gender: male
  • Family history of aortic insufficiency

Tell your doctor if you have any of these.

Symptoms

These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Do not assume they are due to aortic insufficiency. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Heart arrhythmia]]> (irregular heartbeat)
  • Difficulty breathing when lying flat

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Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Tests may include:

  • Chest x-ray]]> —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of the chest
  • ]]>Echocardiogram]]> —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart and assess it’s valves in detail; usually done on the surface of the chest (called a transthoracic echocardiogram)
  • ]]>Transesophageal echocardiogram]]> (TEE)—a type of echocardiogram that looks at the valve in more detail using an ultrasound probe
  • ]]>Electrocardiogram]]> (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle.
  • ]]>Cardiac catheterization]]> —a tube-like instrument inserted into the heart through a vein or artery (usually in the arm or leg) to detect problems with the heart and its blood supply

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Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Surgery

If your condition is severe, your aortic valve can be replaced]]> with an artificial valve. In rare cases, the repair can be done without the need for a new valve.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • ]]>Diuretics]]> to treat high blood pressure and rid the body of excess fluids
  • ]]>Calcium channel blockers]]> to reduce the leaking and, in some cases, delay the need for surgery
  • Other medications, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers
  • Antibiotics before dental and surgical procedures to prevent infection

Depending on your condition, your doctor may schedule routine physical exams and echocardiograms.

Prevention

In most cases, this condition cannot be prevented. Ask your doctor if you should take an antibiotic before dental and other procedures. This can help to prevent infection.