Aortic Regurgitation
Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation, or AR, is a cardiac valve disease that causes the malfunction of the heart valve. In other words, this disease leads to the fact that a part of the blood flows back to the left ventricle instead of entering the aorta. This means that the heart muscle pumps more blood than it should, hence another name for aortic insufficiency – aortic regurgitation. Aortic regurgitation is characterized by various causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes of Aortic Regurgitation
There are two types of causes, valve and aortic causes. The list of valve causes includes congenital defect (most common is bicuspid aortic valve), rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), degenerative aortic valve disease (most common in elderly individuals), and trauma to the chest. The aortic causes include aortic dilation and aneurysm, which are associated with hypertension, Marfan syndrome, and again, hypertension. All these diseases lead to the fact that the aorta becomes enlarged; consequently, the aortic valve does not close properly, letting the blood flow back. This disease may also be congenital. Hence, aortic regurgitation can be caused by many diseases, and all of them should be treated.
Symptoms of Aortic Regurgitation
Individuals who have mild forms of regurgitation do not feel ill for a long time, but they may experience dyspnea on exertion or orthopnea, palpitation, weakness, chest pain, and dizziness. Another symptom is a decrease in the functional capacity. In contrast, individuals who have acute regurgitation feel dyspnea attacks and hypotension; they may feel dizzy when standing. In addition, such people may have angina attacks and fainting. Hence, these are the most common symptoms of aortic regurgitation, which may indicate the development of this disease.
How is Aortic Regurgitation Detected?
The diagnosis is made based on the history and physical examination; however, to determine the severity of regurgitation and the state of the valve, an echocardiography is prescribed. This test helps to measure the amount of regurgitation and the condition of the left ventricle. In addition, the doctor may prescribe ECG to study the electrical activity of the heart. Moreover, a chest x-ray, cardiac MRI, or CT of the aorta, an exercise test, and cardiac catheterization are possible. Hence, the person with suspected aortic regurgitation should consult a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis and a battery of tests that will help to determine the state of his heart and the amount of regurgitation. The tests described above are vital to assess the condition of the heart and the severity of aortic regurgitation. Early detection of aortic regurgitation is also of great importance since this disease can be successfully cured due to timely treatment. The individuals who have aortic regurgitation may feel healthy, which means that they should take all tests to examine the state of their heart and the amount of regurgitation and exclude other diseases. Hence, the study of the patient with suspected aortic regurgitation requires a more detailed examination, including a consult with a specialist and a series of tests and procedures to determine the state of the heart and the amount of regurgitation. The physician will prescribe a series of tests and procedures to determine the state of the heart and the amount of regurgitation and select an individual treatment. Therefore, it is vital to detect the early stages of aortic regurgitation in order to determine it in time to cure it.
Treatment for Aortic Regurgitation
At the moment, surgery is the only treatment for aortic regurgitation. The method of choice for surgical treatment of patients with clinical manifestations of aortic regurgitation with reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricle is surgery to repair or replace the aortic valve. In addition, surgical treatment is indicated also in the context of chronic aortic regurgitation with a decrease in the dimensions of the left ventricle. However, in the case of mild aortic regurgitation, the doctor may prescribe conservative treatment, regular outpatient follow-up, and regular echocardiography to monitor the state of the valve and the heart. In addition, to reduce the load on the heart and to improve its function, the doctor may prescribe a series of drugs to the patient; however, it is essential to emphasize that medications cannot eliminate aortic regurgitation. By contrast, acute forms of this disease require cardiac catheterization. In addition, aortic regurgitation that has occurred after aortic valve replacement can be treated with a less invasive method of replacing the aortic valve with a catheter. Hence, the treatment of aortic regurgitation is generally complex, and it can involve surgical intervention. The physician will choose the treatment for the patient individually, depending on the state of the heart, the severity of the regurgitation, and the presence of complications.
How Can Aortic Regurgitation be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there are no specific measures to prevent aortic regurgitation. However, it is possible to reduce the risk factors for this disease. For example, patients should reduce stress, normalize the weight, and reduce blood pressure. In addition, it is necessary to take care of the heart; for example, it is essential to protect the body from infection since they can cause rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, which can be a complication of aortic regurgitation. Rheumatic heart disease may lead to aortic regurgitation. Hence, there is a need to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections. In addition, it is advisable to give up alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy food, and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Hence, the prevention of aortic regurgitation is the responsibility of each person, which is based on the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, regular visits to the cardiologist are necessary to prolong life and prevent complications in the case of aortic regurgitation. Therefore, the main prevention of this disease is to take care of health, strengthen the immune system, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, people with aortic regurgitation must regularly visit a cardiologist to monitor the state of the heart and valve for a long time and receive timely treatment if necessary. Thus, the prevention of this disease is aimed at maintaining and strengthening health, and it is an essential component in the treatment of aortic regurgitation.
