This inflammatory condition can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat. Over time, it can cause scarring and thickening of the aortic valve, leading to aortic regurgitation, even years after the initial illness has resolved.
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What is aortic valve regurgitation?
Aortic valve regurgitation, also called aortic insufficiency, is a heart disorder where the aortic valve leaks. The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, your body’s main artery. In aortic regurgitation, the valve doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle as your heart is relaxing.
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Aortic stenosis vs. aortic regurgitation
Aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation are both heart valve disorders, but they differ in how they affect blood flow. Aortic stenosis involves a narrowing of the aortic valve, which restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle.
What are the symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation?
It can take years for the signs and symptoms of aortic regurgitation to surface, depending on the severity of the condition. Common aortic valve regurgitation symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, initially during activity and potentially even at rest as the condition progresses
- Difficulty lying flat due to shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Fatigue and weakness
- Heart murmur
- Dizziness, light headedness, or fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
What causes aortic valve regurgitation?
Causes of aortic valve regurgitation include:
Some people are born with structural abnormalities in their aortic valve, such as bicuspid aortic valve. In this condition, the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three. These leaflets may not open and close effectively, leading to a leaky aortic valve.
Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves, typically caused by bacteria. This condition causes inflammation of the valve and heart chamber linings, which can damage the aortic valve and cause it to leak. In cases of acute infection of the aortic valve, endocarditis can become a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where the aorta’s inner layer develops tearing, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall. This disorder can affect the valve leaflets, so they can’t close properly. The valve itself may not be damaged, and in many cases, it can be saved.
These disorders can cause abnormalities in your body’s connective tissues, impairing the structure and functioning of the aorta and aortic valve. Connective tissue diseases often associated with aortic valve regurgitation include Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
The aortic valve changes as we age, leading to calcification and thickening of the aortic valve’s leaflets. This degeneration can impact the valve’s ability to function correctly and could result in both aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation.
If you suffer blunt trauma or other serious injury to your chest, the aortic valve could be damaged. This trauma can disrupt the valve’s functioning.
FAQs about aortic regurgitation
How fast aortic regurgitation progresses varies from person to person. Specific factors like severity, its underlying cause, and age and overall health affect the progression of the disease.
Yes, a heart murmur can detect the presence of aortic valve regurgitation, often during a routine physical exam. The murmur of aortic regurgitation usually occurs when the heart is relaxing. If your physician suspects you may have aortic regurgitation, they’ll schedule further diagnostic testing, typically an echocardiogram.
The outlook for those with aortic regurgitation varies depending on its severity, underlying cause, and other associated medical conditions. Your doctor will assess your overall health and provide personalized information about your prognosis and treatment options.
If aortic valve regurgitation goes untreated, it can progressively deteriorate cardiac functioning, eventually leading to heart failure. Early diagnosis and symptom management can prevent or reduce the likelihood of heart complications.
