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Aortic Valve Incompetence
Medical Questions » Aortic Valve Incompetence
| Name: Aortic Valve Incompetence |
| Also known as: Aortic Regurgitation |
| A leak of the aortic valve in the heart which sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, and normally stops blood that has been pumped out to the body from running back into the heart. |
Causes of Aortic Valve Incompetence
Rheumatic fever, endocarditis, high blood pressure, syphilis or a birth defect. |
Symptoms of Aortic Valve Incompetence
If only a slight leak is present, there will be no symptoms, but if the leak worsens, the patient will become short of breath, develop chest pain, and become very tired. |
Tests for Aortic Valve Incompetence
Diagnosed by echocardiography (ultrasound) or passing a catheter through an artery and into the heart. |
Treatment for Aortic Valve Incompetence
Medications to reduce blood pressure may give relief, but if possible, surgical correction should be undertaken once symptoms are present.
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Complications of Aortic Valve Incompetence of its treatment
May be significant leakage before symptoms occur, and then the patient may deteriorate rapidly with heart failure. |
Likely Outcome of Aortic Valve Incompetence
Depends on severity. Good if mild or surgical replacement of valve possible. |
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