040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
What is Aortic Regurgitation?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Damodhar Reddy Gouni , Cardiologist
Aortic regurgitation is a heart valve condition where the aortic valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the left ventricle. This backward flow increases the heart's workload, which can lead to complications like heart enlargement or failure if untreated. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to improving outcomes and quality of life.
What are the Aortic Regurgitation Symptoms?
Aortic regurgitation often develops silently in its early stages, showing no obvious signs. However, as the valve becomes more damaged, noticeable symptoms start to appear. These Aortic Regurgitation symptoms can affect daily routines and reduce heart efficiency.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath: This usually occurs during physical activity like walking, climbing stairs, or even mild exertion.
- Unusual fatigue: Feeling tired or drained even after doing simple tasks or minimal activity.
- Palpitations: A fluttering feeling or irregular heartbeat that may be felt in the chest or neck.
Severe Symptoms
- Chest discomfort: Pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, especially during physical activity or while resting at night.
- Breathlessness while lying flat (orthopnea): Difficulty breathing when lying down, often relieved by propping up with pillows.
- Fainting episodes (syncope): Sudden loss of consciousness, usually due to poor blood flow to the brain.
- Swelling in legs or ankles: A sign that the heart is not pumping efficiently, causing fluid to build up in the lower limbs.
If you experience breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, or any kind of chest discomfort, it's important to get a heart checkup to rule out valve-related issues.
What are the Different Types of Aortic Regurgitation?
Aortic regurgitation is classified based on how quickly it develops and its underlying cause. Knowing the type helps doctors create an effective treatment plan.
- Acute Aortic Regurgitation: Happens suddenly, often due to injuries, endocarditis, or tearing of the aorta (aortic dissection). This condition is serious and needs urgent medical care.
- Chronic Aortic Regurgitation: Develops slowly over time, commonly from birth defects or age-related wear and tear. Many patients may not show symptoms for years.
Identifying the type early helps determine whether medications or surgery will be the best course of treatment.
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Aortic Regurgitation?
Several health conditions and lifestyle factors can damage or weaken the aortic valve. Being aware of these can help with early detection and prevention.
Aortic Regurgitation Causes
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: Previous streptococcal infections can cause permanent scarring of the valve.
- Congenital Valve Defects: Conditions like a bicuspid aortic valve, where the valve has two flaps instead of three.
- Endocarditis: A serious infection that affects the inner lining and valves of the heart.
- Aortic Root Dilation: Enlargement of the area where the aorta meets the heart, commonly seen in Marfan syndrome, high blood pressure, or aneurysms.
- Chest Trauma: Direct injury to the chest can damage the valve structure.
Risk Factors of Aortic Regurgitation
- Chronic high blood pressure over many years
- Valve deterioration due to ageing
- Connective tissue diseases (e.g., Marfan syndrome)
- A family history of heart valve issues
- Previous rheumatic fever
People with any of these risk factors should get regular heart evaluations to catch problems early.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow Aortic Regurgitation is Diagnosed?
To diagnose aortic regurgitation, doctors use a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging techniques. At Medicover, we use the latest technology and expert analysis to confirm the condition and assess how it affects your heart.
Common Diagnostic Tests
- Echocardiography: An ultrasound scan of the heart that shows how the valve moves and measures the amount of backflow.
- Cardiac MRI: A detailed scan that evaluates heart size and how well the valve is working.
- Chest X-ray: Can show if the heart is enlarged or if there are signs of an enlarged aorta.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity and helps detect strain or enlargement of the heart.
All these tests are performed by experienced cardiologists at Medicover using world-class equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Options for Aortic Regurgitation?
Treatment is based on how severe the regurgitation is, whether symptoms are present, and how well the heart is functioning. Options include medications and surgical interventions tailored to the patient's needs.
Medical Management
- Vasodilators: Help lower the pressure in the arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- Diuretics: Also known as water pills; they remove extra fluid from the body and reduce strain on the heart.
- Beta-blockers: Slow the heart rate and reduce its workload.
Surgical Options
- Aortic Valve Repair: Done when the damage is minimal and the valve can be preserved.
- Aortic Valve Replacement: Recommended in most severe cases. The new valve can be mechanical (long-lasting) or tissue-based (biological).
After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 5-7 days. A structured cardiac rehabilitation program helps support a smooth and healthy recovery. At Medicover, each treatment is carefully planned based on age, heart health, and other existing conditions.
When to See a Doctor for Aortic Regurgitation?
Seeing a heart specialist early can prevent serious complications. Even mild symptoms can be a sign of worsening valve issues.
Consult a doctor if:
- You have constant tiredness or shortness of breath
- You feel irregular or fast heartbeats, or pressure in the chest
- You are diagnosed with a connective tissue disease
- You are above 60 or have a history of rheumatic disease or high blood pressure
Do not delay a checkup if your daily life is affected. Early treatment can prevent long-term heart damage.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Aortic Regurgitation Doctors Today
What is the Recovery Process After Aortic Regurgitation Treatment?
Recovery includes both physical healing and regular heart follow-up. These steps ensure that your heart returns to its best possible function.
Follow-up Schedule
- Your first follow-up will be 2-4 weeks after surgery
- Regular echocardiograms every 6 to 12 months to monitor your heart
Lifestyle Guidance
- Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt and unhealthy fats
- Stay active with gentle to moderate exercise like walking
- Check your blood pressure often and keep it under control
With early treatment and good post-care, most patients return to a normal life. Medicover offers rehabilitation and ongoing support to help you stay on track.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Aortic Regurgitation?
Though not all cases are preventable, certain precautions can reduce your risk and protect the aortic valve.
Prevention Tips
- Get prompt treatment for throat infections to prevent rheumatic fever
- Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of endocarditis
- Control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle and medicines if needed
- Have regular heart checkups, especially if you have a known valve issue from birth
Potential Complications if Left Untreated
- May lead to heart failure over time
- Can cause the heart's left chamber to enlarge
- Increases the risk of irregular heart rhythms and stroke
Taking these steps today can help prevent serious heart issues in the future.
Our Experience Treating Aortic Regurgitation
At Medicover, our expert team of cardiologists and heart surgeons is committed to treating all types of aortic valve conditions with excellence and compassion.
We use the latest diagnostic tools, offer minimally invasive procedures, and provide full recovery support to help patients heal quickly and safely. Your heart care is our mission at every stage of your journey.
