Overview

Aortic valve disease is an abnormal condition of a heart valve in which the functioning of the aortic valve is impeded. There are primarily two types of aortic valve disease- aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis. The main risk factors that put an individual at risk for this disease are having a bicuspid aortic valve and being older than 60 years. Available treatments range from pharmaceuticals to surgeries and can ease symptoms and decrease the risk of complications.

What is Aortic valve disease?

Aortic valve disease, more commonly referred to as aortic valve stenosis, is a form of valvular heart disease that impacts the heart valve. The valve between the heart's lower left chamber and the body's main highway, the aorta, narrows and fails to open adequately.

It thus results in blood inflow from the heart into the aorta and blocks or dams the remainder of the body. The intensity of stiffness that is associated with aortic stenosis dictates the treatment procedure. Surgery has sometimes been applied to replace or repair damaged valves. If left untreated, serious complications may emerge with severe aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic Valve Disease involves two main forms:

Aortic stenosis: It causes narrowing of the valve, forcing the heart to pump blood slowly.
Aortic regurgitation: If the valve cannot close effectively, then potentially, there is a leakage back into the heart. In both cases, symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Based on the rigidity, the treatment for aortic valve disease may be drug-based. This minimally invasive procedure, or surgery, corrects or replaces the valve.

What are the symptoms of Aortic valve disease?

As the aortic valve disease progresses, you will most certainly experience

Tightness or chest pain
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath with exercise or even when resting or at night.
Swelling in your lower legs and ankles

What causes Aortic valve disease?

Aortic valve disease can occur due to several factors that affect the aortic valve's shape and its working process. Below are the most common causes of aortic valve disease:

Wear and tear after all these years of age
Rheumatic heart disease
Natural heart disease
High blood pressure
Endocarditis
Trauma to your chest
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Aortic examination
Radiation to your chest (such as treatment for cancer).

What are the stages of aortic valve disease?

Aortic valve disease progresses gradually over time. Doctors use a series of stages to describe the severity of the condition:

Stage A (at risk): The aortic valve is normal, but there's at least one risk factor for aortic valve disease.
Stage B (progressive): This stage reveals mild or moderate aortic valve disease. Valves function differently, but symptoms are not exhibited.
Stage C (asymptomatic severe): In this stage, the disease is severe as far as the aortic valve goes, but symptoms are not tolerated under normal training.

Signs may be manifested during an exercise stress test:

In stage C1, the heart is still fit to pump blood adequately in relation to meeting the body's conditions.
In stage C2, the heart is unfit to pump out sufficient blood, as suggested by a left ventricular ejection bit below 50.

Stage D (characteristic severe): It is the stage that represents a severe disease of the aortic valve, which causes symptoms in diurnal life. At first, symptoms occur during exertion, but later on, at a time when a person is at rest.

What are the diagnoses and tests for aortic valve disease?

This medical professional diagnoses the disease through a physical examination and tests. During the checkup, your doctor will ask you about your history of medical problems. Your doctor will then use a stethoscope to listen to your heart while checking out your vital signs. This process is called auscultation. In case there is a heart murmur, then it would be likely to suspect that there could be a disease in the aortic valve. Your doctor will take an electrocardiogram or ECG.

This test uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of the heart. Other tests that may be required include:

Cardiac catheterization
Myocardial computed tomography (CT)
Chest x-ray
Coronary angiogram
Stress test.
Heart MRI.

How can I help with aortic valve disease?

To reduce the threat of aortic valve disease, follow this way-

Avoid using tobacco and recreational medicines.
Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days.
Consult a doctor immediately when you fall ill to help mitigate the complications.
Adhere to the specifics prescribed specifically as prescribed.
Valvular disease will be identified earlier during regular checkups.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Other variables, such as how long ago you were diagnosed, how advanced the disease is, and general health status, all affect your perspective. Be sure to communicate your emotions to your physician. They may be of great use for direction in terms of response to treatment and can sometimes suggest direction for what to do next.

Living With

How do I take care of myself?

Your doctor will advise you about lifestyle changes and ways you could take care of yourself better. Always heed these recommendations and do not be afraid to ask why if you are unsure. Some recommendations you may receive from your doctor include:

Have a healthy diet, for which your doctor would have explained.
Exercise occasionally- Because of the laziness resulting from aortic valve disease, you must still be limited. Ask your doctor for recommendations about exercising.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco consumption
Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid a disease called endocarditis, or infection of the coronary arteries.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Aortic Valve Disease?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Aortic Valve Disease.