Aortic insufficiency: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is aortic insufficiency?

Aortic insufficiency or aortic valve leak is a condition in which the aortic valve cannot close tightly. This allows blood to flow from the aorta (large blood vessel) to the left ventricle (chamber of the heart). Aortic insufficiency results in reduced blood supply throughout the body.

How common is aortic insufficiency?

Aortic insufficiency currently affects 10,000 people aged 30 to 60 years. Men are more at risk than women. Even so, this disease can affect anyone at any age.

Of course this disease can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of aortic insufficiency?

Often the disease has no symptoms for years. Symptoms can come on slowly or suddenly and include:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing (especially when lying down)
• Cough
• Hard to breathe
• Fainting
• Palpitations (sensation of a beating heart)
• Swelling of the legs or abdomen
• Tired easily, especially when you are doing activities.

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your current situation.

Cause

What causes aortic insufficiency?

The cause of aortic insufficiency is a damaged or enlarged aortic valve at the bottom of the aorta. Infections such as rheumatic fever (usually from a streptococcal infection) and endocarditis (a bacterial infection in the heart) can also affect the valves. Other causes are congenital abnormalities such as the bicuspid valve (two parts of the valve, not all three).

Injuries caused by blunt objects (for example, chest hitting the steering wheel during an accident), connective tissue disorders such as Marfan's disease, and hypertension can also cause the aorta to enlarge and aortic insufficiency at a later stage.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of aortic insufficiency?

There are many risk factors that can increase your risk of developing aortic insufficiency, such as:

• Damaged aortic valve: endocarditis, rheumatic fever, or aortic valve stenosis can also cause blood to flow back up from the aorta to the heart.
• Hypertension can cause enlargement of the lower part of the aorta.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• Other diseases: Marfan's disease or ankylosing spondylitis
• Age: elderly people have a higher risk.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for aortic insufficiency?

You may not need treatment if you have no or only mild symptoms. However, you will need to see a healthcare provider for regular echocardiogram tests.

If your blood pressure is high enough, you will need to take blood pressure-lowering medication to help block the process of clumping the aorta.

ACE inhibitors and diuretics (water pills) can be used to treat moderate to severe symptoms.

It is likely that the doctor will also recommend a thoracic surgery referral in anticipation of future operations.

What tests are commonly done for aortic insufficiency?

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor can also perform the following tests to diagnose aortic stenosis:

• ECG
• Treadmill test
• Left cardio catheterization
• MRI of the heart
• Transesopagheal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Home remedies

What lifestyle and home remedies can help treat aortic insufficiency?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with aortic insufficiency.

• Have regular echocardiography tests to monitor your condition.
• If you have a congenital defect or a history of surgery, you should take a prescription antibiotic before any surgical or dental procedures.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.