Aortic valve disease is an abnormality in one of the four heart valves, and the damage produced can be of two types: stenosis or insufficiency. In the first case, a narrowing of the valve may occur, while in the second, the valve does not close properly. The causes can be diverse, and the disease is usually asymptomatic until it is advanced. In general, in both cases, the treatment is a surgical intervention to be able to treat the problem. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the causes, symptoms and treatments of aortic valve disease.
Table of Contents
Types and causes of aortic valvular disease
So far, we know that aortic valve disease occurs when there is damage to the valve that connects the aorta with the left ventricle. This damage can lead to two types of conditions:
- Aortic stenosis . It is the obstruction of blood flow due to the narrowing of the valve, which makes it difficult for the Blood to flow normally. The narrower the valve, the more severe the valve disease will be. The causes of this type of aortic valve disease can be congenital, that is, from birth; by aging; or by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease resulting from infection by bacteria, such as pharyngitis or scarlet fever.
- Aortic insufficiency. It occurs due to a defect in which the closure of the valve generates an abnormal flow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle due to the incorrect functioning of the aortic valve. This causes the blood to return to the left ventricle, so the greater the amount of this Blood that returns will be considered more serious. The causes can be rheumatic fever, congenital problems, endocarditis, or trauma.
Symptoms of aortic valve disease
Symptoms will vary based on the two types of aortic valve disease:
Aortic stenosis
It is possible that many of the people who suffer from this ailment are not aware of it since the symptoms do not appear until the disease is in an advanced stage. The symptoms of aortic stenosis are:
- Dyspnea that appears when exercising.
- Cough, sometimes accompanied by Blood.
- Chest pain that can radiate to the neck, arm, or jaw.
- I am feeling fatigued without the need for a lot of physical activity.
- Palpitations Feeling that the heartbeat is perceived.
- Dizziness and fainting during activity.
In children, the disease can worsen as they get older, and the chance of endocarditis increases.
Aortic insufficiency
Like the previous type of aortic valve disease, the disease can be asymptomatic until it is advanced.
- Fatigue and fainting
- Chest pain that can radiate to other areas of the body.
- Palpitations
- Breathing difficulty when performing physical exercise.
- Strong heartbeat in the artery.
- Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet.
Treatment of aortic valve disease
No treatment may be needed when symptoms are not severe, except for regular check-ups to control the disease. Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve some of the symptoms, such as antibiotics to prevent possible heart infections, as well as diuretics and other drugs that help fight arrhythmias.
When the disease involves severe symptoms or when the doctor considers it appropriate, surgical intervention is performed to repair or replace the affected valve, both in the case of aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency.
recommendations
Both people with asymptomatic aortic valve disease and those with symptoms often have to adopt preventive measures to help improve the condition. The doctor usually recommends the following:
- No Smoking.
- Do not perform exercise that requires excellent physical activity.
- Carry out a healthy and balanced diet.
- Control cholesterol.
- Control hypertension.
- Go to the doctor frequently for periodic check-ups.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Aortic valve disease: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart, and circulation.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.