The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta and regulates the flow of blood from the heart to the aorta and the rest of the body. Stenosis and aortic valve regurgitation are two types of damage to this valve.
Stenosis of the aortic valve restricts the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, causing overload and increased pressure in the heart.
Aortic valve insufficiency is characterized by the condition where the valve does not close completely, resulting in blood reflux into the left ventricle and overloading the heart.
Both conditions, if manifested by the following symptoms, require an immediate visit to the Cardiologist for careful monitoring in order to avoid heart failure and other serious complications.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical exercise.
- Palpitations or tachycardia.
- Dizziness or fainting, due to reduced blood supply to the brain.
- Chest pain (angina pectoris), caused by increased pressure in the left ventricle and reduced blood flow to the myocardium.
- Fatigue without a specific cause.
- Swollen legs, due to the heart’s inability to pump blood adequately.
- Enlargement of the left ventricle, which can cause arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
It is important for the Cardiologist to be aware of structural problems of the heart, modern diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The examination includes:
Patient history and auscultation of the heart with a stethoscope to identify any characteristic sounds related to aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency.
Electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart and to detect arrhythmias due to aortic stenosis or regurgitation Echocardiogram, which can determine the function of the aortic valve, the extent of the stenosis or regurgitation, the severity of the valve problems, and the function of the left ventricle. Doppler Echo also helps evaluate blood flow and measure the pressure behind the valve.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart to examine the anatomy and function of the aortic valve more accurately.
Evaluation of aortic pressure.
The tests will determine the severity of the aortic valve regurgitation or stenosis. Treatment may be medical or require surgery, depending on the severity of the damage.
More specific information about the two conditions:
Causes of Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Degenerative aortic stenosis caused by calcification of the valve in older people.
- Rheumatic heart disease that develops after repeated strep throat infections.
- When the aortic valve has two leaflets (folds) instead of three (congenital condition) which makes the valve more prone to stenosis.
