The aortic valve is one of the four valves that is in control of the blood flow in and out of the heart. To be more specific this valve allows for the flow of blood that is pumped out of the heart from the left ventricle to the primary artery that leads to all the other parts of the body. This artery is called the aorta.
Aortic valve insufficiency occurs when this valve is damaged or does not function properly and is very common among the elderly being the main cause of the majority of defects of the valvular type.
If a valve is too narrow this is referred to as aortic stenosis and means that in order for an adequate amount of blood to pump out each time the heart beats the heart has to work much harder.
At the other end of the spectrum if the valve has issues with improper closing it can lead to aortic regurgitation. This is because some of the blood that is pumped out leaks back into the left ventricle each time the heart beats.
Either of these circumstances will cause the work of the ventricle to be increased and may result in a thickening of the muscular wall. This is called hypertrophy and may cause the left ventricle to expand or dilate.
Aortic valve insufficiency can be caused by several things including being the result of an infection or rheumatic heart disease as well from the normal process of the progression of age. In some cases this condition may be congenital or the origin or cause may be completely unknown.
Disorders of aortic valves most often do not present symptoms in the early stages however as the condition advances it may include symptoms such as angina or chest pain, dizziness, fainting, feeling lightheaded or short of breath. Most often when fainting is an issue it is during a time of increased physical activity. Most elderly individuals affected by this condition do not show any signs or symptoms.
In many cases this condition can be detected by a physical exam by your doctor in which a heart murmur may be noticed. Other tests that may be used for diagnostic purpose may include an EKG or electrocardiogram to check for enlargement of the heart as well as an ultrasound of the heart and valves. This is often called an echocardiogram. If enough physical signs are evident it may become necessary for a cardiac catheterization to be performed in order to better determine how well the heart and valves are functioning.
After a diagnosis of aortic valve insufficiency has been determined your doctor may suggest medications that will work to regulate your blood pressure and inform you of the proper levels for your blood pressure in order to improve this condition. You will probably also be advised to avoid participation in physical exertion wherever possible.
If the condition is severe and includes either stenosis or regurgitation it may be necessary to have the valve repaired or replaced. This is an option that your doctor will discuss with you after a positive diagnosis has been made.
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