What is Aortic Insufficiency?

Aortic insufficiency is a potentially serious medical condition in which the aorta is unable to pump blood throughout the body. Blood instead backs up into the heart, which can lead to severe chest pains, fainting, and possibly heart failure. A number of different conditions can weaken the aortic valve, including high blood pressure, infections, and congenital defects. Doctors can usually manage mild cases of aortic insufficiency with prescription medications, but a progressively worsening case typically requires valve repair or replacement surgery.

The aorta is the largest and most vital artery in the body. It carries oxygenated blood from the heart to all major organs and body parts. If the artery is damaged due to a severe infection, congenital deformity, chronic high blood pressure, or cholesterol buildup, the valve that controls blood flow may not be able to close completely. Blood flow reverses directions and feeds back into the left ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand and pump much harder and faster than normal.

Symptoms of early-stage aortic insufficiency may include chest tightness, sharp pains, changes in pulse rate, and fatigue during exercise. As the condition worsens, a person may have shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and chronic fatigue. Aortic insufficiency eventually causes the left ventricle to become inflamed and swollen, a condition known as endocarditis. Heart failure is very possible if the condition is not detected and treated.

A person who experiences relatively minor symptoms should visit his or her doctor to undergo diagnostic tests. A physician usually conducts a computerized tomography scans to inspect the heart and aorta. An electrocardiograph test is usually performed to monitor blood flow and electrical activity in the heart. Treatment decisions are made based on the degree of valve weakness and the severity of a patient's symptoms.

Many patients can avoid surgery by taking medications to control blood pressure and making lifestyle changes. Regular exercise and a healthy, low-sodium diet are important to preserve aortic functioning. Patients are advised to schedule regular checkups with their doctors to monitor changes in their conditions.

A case of aortic insufficiency that puts a patient at risk of heart failure typically needs to be treated surgically. If the aorta itself is not severely damaged or deformed, a surgeon may be able to repair it in a procedure called a valvuloplasty. Damaged tissue is removed and the valve is reinforced to help it close better. Advanced cases of aortic sufficiency often require valve replacement surgery, in which part of the aorta is removed and an artificial mechanical valve is put in its place. Patients usually need to take blood pressure medications and attend checkups throughout their lives following surgery to make sure the condition does not return.