Electrocardiograms record your heart’s electrical activity and detect abnormalities like arrhythmias. In cases of aortic valve regurgitation, an EKG can identify left ventricle hypertrophy (thickening of the heart wall) and other underlying heart issues, such as myocardial ischemia. This condition reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart.
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Getting an aortic regurgitation diagnosis
Diagnosing aortic regurgitation involves evaluating your heart, running tests to confirm the diagnosis, and developing a management plan.
After viewing your medical and family history, your physician will perform a physical exam to check for signs of aortic regurgitation. This includes listening to your heart for irregular heartbeats (palpitations) or murmurs that may indicate abnormalities.
Your physician will also evaluate risk factors, such as genetics and high blood pressure. They’ll gather all this data to determine if further diagnostic testing is needed.
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that evaluates the heart’s structure and function. By placing an ultrasound probe on the chest, soundwaves are used to assess blood flow through the heart and valves. The data from the TTE helps determine the severity of aortic regurgitation. If regurgitation is not significant (trace or mild), you may not require invasive treatment.
Like a TTE, the transesophageal echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structures. However, instead of placing the probe on the chest, a TEE involves inserting the ultrasound probe into the esophagus. This approach provides a more detailed view of the heart, aorta, and surrounding tissues.
A CT scan provides images of the aortic valve and surrounding structures. This test helps identify abnormalities such as valve calcification or a bicuspid aortic valve. It also measures the size of the aorta and detects the presence of aortic dilation or aneurysms.
A chest X-ray won’t precisely determine if you have aortic valve regurgitation, but it can identify information about your heart’s condition. For instance, a chest X-ray may reveal changes in your heart’s size and structure. It can also indicate an enlargement of the left ventricle and calcification of the aortic valve. It can also detect fluid in the lungs which can occur with advanced valve disease and heart failure.
A stress test measures your heart’s functioning during physical activity. The exam usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike while hooked to a monitor. The activity gradually intensifies to quicken your heart rate and put stress on the cardiovascular system. For those unable to perform a physical stress test, specific medications can simulate the effects of physical exertion on the heart.
This procedure can evaluate blood flow, measure pressures inside the heart, and check for coronary artery blockages that could impact treatment decisions for aortic valve regurgitation.
Aortic regurgitation treatment
Whether you require aortic valve leakage treatment depends on factors like your symptoms, the underlying cause, the severity of the regurgitation, and your overall health. Mild aortic regurgitation is often managed with medication and regular monitoring through periodic echocardiograms. However, more severe cases may require aortic valve regurgitation surgery.
Medication management
Medication can alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of aortic regurgitation. Blood pressure meds like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can reduce pressure on the aortic valve.
Aortic valve surgery
Based on the anatomy of the aortic valve, it can either be replaced or repaired.
- Aortic valve repair surgery: In cases where the aortic valve leaflets have normal tissue quality, the aortic valve can often be repaired. This procedure may involve reshaping or reconstructing the valve leaflets, removing excess tissue so the leaflets close correctly, or patching the part of the valve that is leaking.
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery: In cases of severe aortic regurgitation, you may need your faulty aortic valve replaced with an artificial implant. AVR is a standard treatment option for aortic regurgitation and other heart disorders like aortic stenosis. In an AVR procedure, your surgeon will remove the defective aortic valve and replace it with an artificial one. They may use a mechanical valve or one made from human, cow, or pig heart tissue.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery: TAVR is a minimally invasive surgery used to replace the aortic valve. A prosthetic valve is inserted through a catheter, typically placed via an artery in the groin. While TAVR is currently used primarily for patients with severe aortic stenosis, research is ongoing to explore its potential use for patients with aortic regurgitation in the future.
- Valve-sparing aortic root replacement: This surgery replaces the aortic root while keeping the valve intact. Retaining the aortic valve eliminates the need for lifelong blood-thinning medications often required with valve replacement surgeries.
Recovery after aortic valve regurgitation surgery
After aortic valve regurgitation surgery, you can expect your recovery period to be around four to eight weeks. Depending on the procedure and complications, that timeline may be shorter or longer.
What to avoid if you have aortic regurgitation
If you’ve been diagnosed with aortic valve regurgitation, your physician will discuss ways to manage your condition. Things to avoid include:
- High-intensity exercise or activities that can significantly raise your blood pressure
- Tobacco use
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- Recreational drugs
- Foods high in salt, sodium, and saturated fats
- Certain over-the-counter medications that could exacerbate the disease, such as decongestants, stimulants, and anti-inflammatory drugs
