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Aortic Valve Regurgitation (AR): Symptoms, Causes, & Management
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) is a type of heart valve disorder in which the aortic valve does not close properly. When this happens, some of the blood that has already been pumped from the left ventricle of the heart leaks back into it instead of flowing into the aorta, the largest artery in the body. This can affect the amount of blood that is able to reach your organs and can lead to a variety of serious health risks. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Symptoms Of Aortic Regurgitation (AR)
The most common symptoms of AR include:
- Shortness Of Breath: People with AR can experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, due to the decrease in oxygen available to their bodies.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain is common in people with AR, though it may be mild or severe depending on the severity of the condition.
- Fatigue: People with AR may feel more tired than normal due to their heart working much harder to pump blood.
- Lightheadedness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy due to the decrease in blood being pumped throughout the body is another symptom of AR.
- Swelling Of The Feet And Ankles: The decrease in available blood can cause fluid buildup in the lower extremities, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Causes Of Aortic Regurgitation (AR)
AR can have a variety of causes, including:
- Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with an improperly-shaped aortic valve, causing it to not close correctly.
- Aging Valves: As people age, the aortic valve can become stiff or misshapen, resulting in AR.
- Infection: Certain bacterial infections can cause AR, though this is more rare.
- Trauma: Any type of trauma or injury to the chest, such as a car accident, can cause the valve to not close properly, resulting in AR.
How To Diagnose Aortic Regurgitation (AR)
Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and take your medical history to determine if you have AR. Other tests that are used to diagnose AR include:
- Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram, or “echo”, is an imaging technique used to obtain images of the heart and its valves, which can help detect AR.
- Cardiac Catheterization: This process involves using a thin, flexible tube to pass dye into the heart’s blood vessels, allowing the doctor to get images of any narrowing or leaking in the aortic valve.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is often used to diagnose cases of AR and can be used to assess the severity of the condition.
Managing Aortic Valve Regurgitation (AR)
Once AR is diagnosed, your doctor will decide if further treatment is necessary. In most cases, lifestyle changes and medications are enough to manage the condition. However, if the condition is severe, or if the patient has other risk factors, the doctor may suggest surgical treatment. Some treatments for AR include:
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms of AR and protect the heart.
- Lifestyle Changes: In many cases, lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms and improve overall cardiac health, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and controlling cholesterol.
- Valve Repair or Replacement: If lifestyle modifications and medications are not enough to improve symptoms, your doctor may recommend valve repair or replacement surgery.
Conclusion
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) is a serious condition that can lead to more serious heart health risks if left untreated. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of AR. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you. With the right treatment plan, AR can be managed successfully and help to improve overall heart health.