Overview
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Replacement is a heart condition in which the valve between the left ventricle (lower left heart chamber) and the aorta (the major blood vessel leaving the heart) malfunctions. This valve defect allows the pumped out blood to leak back into the heart. As a result, the left ventricle must work harder to pump more blood than normal. This increased work gradually causes the left ventricle to enlarge.
There are two main types of aortic regurgitation:
Acute Aortic Replacement— symptoms develop rapidly, and in severe cases, prompt surgery may be lifesaving Chronic Aortic Replacement — symptoms develop over the course of many months or years
Causes :
Aortic insufficiency can be caused by:
A birth defect in which the aortic valve is bicuspid (two valves) instead of tricuspid (three valves)A hereditary disorder of the aortic valveSevere high blood pressureBacterial infection of the aortic valveInjury to the aortic valveThe aortic valve itself is deformed and malfunctions.A heart deformity or disturbance near the valve affects the valve’s functioning.
How does it occur?
Aortic Valve Replacement can happen really fast or it can happen slowly over time. When it happens quickly, it is called acute. Acute regurgitation is not very common. If the Replacement slowly gets bad over time, it is called chronic.
The most common cause of Acute Replacement is an infection of the valve called infectious endocarditis. Other causes are chest injury and tearing of the aorta (aortic dissection).
The most common cause of Chronic Replacement is high blood pressure. Other causes are Marfan syndrome, rheumatic fever, and valve problems that you were born with
What are the symptoms?
Chronic Replacement rarely causes symptoms unless the leak is bad. The heart can begin to weaken before symptoms start. Over several years, the added work on the heart can cause the left ventricle to get bigger.
This causes symptoms such as:
chest pain when you exert yourselfdiscomfort when you are lying downwaking up at night feeling very short of breath.Shortness of breathFatigue, especially after physical activityFluid retention in certain parts of the body, such as the anklesHeart arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats)Angina (chest pain from insufficient blood supply)Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Diagnosis :
Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)— a test that records the heart's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the surface of the chest. In severe Aortic Replacement, the EKG may show abnormal electrical activity.Chest x-ray — an x-ray to determine the approximate size and shape of the heart. In Aortic Replacement, the chest x-ray may show enlargement of the lower left ventricle, or in some cases, enlargement of the aorta.Echocardiogram — a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart. It can detect leaking of the valves and abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. This test can also examine the functioning of the left ventricle.Cardiac catheterization — a tube inserted into the heart through an artery (usually in the groin) to detect problems with the heart's structure, function, and blood supply .Radionucleotide ventriculogram (nuclear scan)— measures how well the left ventricle is pumping as well as the amount of blood being pumped out of the ventricle with each heartbeat
Treatment :
In the case of severe acute Aortic Replacement, especially due to trauma, immediate surgery may be needed.
For chronic Aortic Replacement, the proper timing of medical therapy versus surgical treatment depends on several factors. These include:
When you develop symptoms and how severe they areThe degree of heart damage and level of heart functionYour ageThe risks associated with the treatmentFor more information, medical assessment and medical quote
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