Aortic Insufficiency

What is an Aortic Insufficiency

Aortic insufficiency is a condition in which the aortic valve does not close all the way. The aortic valve is a gate-like structure between the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the rest of the body (aorta).

The aortic valve opens when the left ventricle squeezes to pump blood into the aorta, and it closes when the left ventricle relaxes.

In aortic insufficiency, blood in the aorta leaks through the aortic valve after it has closed. This causes the heart to work harder than usual. If aortic insufficiency is not treated, it causes enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle.

This can result in heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and other dangerous conditions. If this condition develops suddenly, it may need to be treated with emergency surgery.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by anything that weakens the aortic valve, such as:

  • Severe high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Inflammation of the inner layer of the heart or the heart valves (endocarditis).
  • A ballooning of a weak spot in the aorta wall (aortic aneurysm).
  • A tear or separation of the inner walls of the aorta (aortic dissection).
  • Injury (trauma) that damages the aortic valve.
  • Certain medicines.
  • Disease of a protein in the body called collagen (collagen vascular disease).
  • A problem that is present at birth (birth defect).
  • An inflammatory condition that can develop after an untreated strep throat infection (rheumatic fever).
  • Complications during or after a heart surgery (rare).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Difficulty breathing while lying flat (orthopnea). You may need to sleep on two or more pillows to breathe better.
  • Chest discomfort (angina).
  • Head bobbing.
  • A fluttering feeling in your chest (palpitations).
  • An irregular or faster-than-normal heartbeat.

Symptoms usually develop gradually, unless this condition was caused by a major injury or by endocarditis.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on the results of:

  • A physical exam.
  • An imaging test that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart (echocardiogram).

You may also have other tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • Chest X-ray.
  • MRI.
  • A test that records the electrical impulses of the heart (electrocardiogram, ECG).
  • CT angiogram (CTA). In this procedure, a large X-ray machine, called a CT scanner, takes detailed pictures of blood vessels after dye has been injected into the vessels.
  • Aortic angiogram. In this procedure, X-ray images are taken after dye has been injected into blood vessels. This tests the function of the aorta.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms, how severe the condition is, and what problems the condition is causing. Treatment may include:

  • Observation. If your condition is mild, you may not need treatment. However, you will need to have your condition checked regularly to make sure it is not getting worse or causing serious problems.
  • Medicines that help the heart work more efficiently.
  • Surgery to repair or replace the valve, in severe cases. Surgery is usually recommended if the left ventricle enlarges beyond a certain point. If aortic insufficiency occurs suddenly, surgery may be needed immediately.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • If directed by your health care provider, avoid heavy weight lifting and contact sports such as football.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. You may need regular tests to monitor your condition and how well your heart is pumping blood.
  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. Your health care provider may recommend that you:
    • Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
    • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
    • Eat less salt (sodium) and salty foods. Check ingredients and nutrition facts on packaged foods and beverages.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your chest symptoms seem to be getting worse.
  • Your breathing problems seem to be getting worse.
  • You feel dizzy or close to fainting.
  • You have swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
  • You urinate more than usual during the night (nocturia).
  • You have an unexplained fever that lasts 2 days or longer.
  • You develop new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

  • You have severe chest pain.
  • You have severe shortness of breath.
  • You feel rapid or irregular heartbeats.
  • You feel light-headed.
  • You have sudden, unexplained weight gain.

Summary

  • Aortic insufficiency is a condition in which the aortic valve does not close all the way. This causes the heart to work harder than usual.
  • This condition may be treated with observation, medicines, or surgery.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Eat less salt (sodium) and salty foods. Check ingredients and nutrition facts on packaged foods and beverages.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856