What is Aortic Valve Disease?

Aortic valve disease is dysfunction or damage to one of the four valves in the heart. The disease can be congenial, caused by infection or rheumatic heart disease. It also may occur as part of the natural aging process. This a condition commonly seen in elderly individuals.

Aortic valve disease presents no symptoms in its early stages—over time, an individual may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting after exertion. Many individuals may have the condition and experience no symptoms at all, though a heart murmur, not particularly a life-threatening condition, is a common sign of aortic valve disease. A chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the physical symptoms present, a cardiac catherization may be performed to more adequately evaluate the condition of the valve. This process involves inserting a hollow tube into the leg or arm, then passing it into or around the heart to get a better view of the anatomy and function of the heart.

There are two common forms of aortic valve disease. Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing and stiffening of a valve caused by a buildup of calcium in it, rheumatic fever or a congenial heart defect. A person can live with the condition for years before she begins to experience any symptoms, which include swelling in the ankles and feet, dizziness, fainting and chest pain.

Aortic regurgitation results when the heart valve fails to close properly. As a result, blood pumped into the aorta flows backward into the left ventricle with each heartbeat. As with aortic stenosis, it may be years before symptoms appear; they include chest pain or shortness of breath that increases during exertion, rapid pulse and fluttering heartbeat. Swollen ankles and feet can also occur. Aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation both force the heart to work harder—they also cause its walls to thicken and the left ventricle to enlarge.

If detected in time, aortic valve disease can be treated. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate cases are periodically monitored through regular checkups so that proper medication can be prescribed should the condition become more serious. Medication to control blood pressure may be prescribed, as well as medication to regulate heart rhythm or slow the progression of the disease.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, particularly lifting heavy objects. If the condition is severe, surgery to repair or replace the affected heart valve is performed. Once an individual is diagnosed with aortic valve disease, he will need to always take antibiotics prior to receiving any dental or surgical procedures to protect against bacterial infection that may reach the heart.