Aortic valve defect

What do you need to know about the pathology, and how to prevent its development?

It is known that the human heart ensures the movement of blood through the arteries and veins of our body. And help him in this four helpers: aortic valve, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary. Each of these valves has flaps that, with each contraction of the heart, allow the flow of blood in the right direction.

Today, let's talk about valve malformation between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, the damage or disease of which negatively affects the flow of blood from the heart to other organs. Its malfunction indicates aortic valve disease, one of the heart defects. This disease is characterized by aortic stenosis - narrowing of the aortic orifice due to thickening and fusion of the aortic valve flaps, resulting in reduced or completely stopped blood flow to internal organs. It is also accompanied by aortic non-closure and regurgitation, when the pathology causes blood to flow back into the left ventricle of the heart.

Aortic valve defect can be congenital or arise in the course of life, as a consequence of a number of other pathologies and diseases. The prognosis of aortic heart defect treatment is influenced by the severity of the disease and its type. In the most complicated cases, doctors recommend surgery to replace or reconstruct the aortic valve.

Symptoms of this disease may not make themselves known for several years. Malfunctions in the cardiovascular system are evidenced by: heart murmurs, pain in the chest area. Also: dizziness, fatigue (even when inactive), shortness of breath, arrhythmia, malnutrition and underweight in children.

When to seek medical help, and how not to miss the beginning of the disease?

The reason for an urgent appeal to the clinic is a condition accompanied by sudden chest pain, fatigue and respiratory distress after active work, frequent and irregular heartbeat. If, after resting, you do not feel a surge of energy, if there is swelling of the ankles and feet - all this is a signal of heart failure caused by aortic valve defect.

What are the causes of such an ailment?

Valve dysfunction between the aorta and the left ventricle of the heart can be caused by a congenital heart defect. Other causes of aortic valve dysfunction that cause the ailment at a more advanced age include: trauma and age-related failures in the structure and function of the heart, hypertension, and infections.

Speaking of aortic valve defect, it is impossible not to talk about the factors that increase the risk of this disease. These include congenital heart defects, when a person is born without a valve leaflet, with an additional or deformed flap, which increases the risk of regurgitation - return of blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart. The risk group for aortic valve defect includes older people, because over the years, calcium deposits accumulate on the valve, which leads to stiffness and narrowing of its lumen.

Also among the factors causing problems in the work of the aortic valve can be named and the presence in the patient of such diseases as: rheumatic fever caused by acute pharyngitis, which leads to stenosis, provoked by infection endocarditis (inflammation of the heart). The risk of aortic stenosis or regurgitation is also associated with chronic kidney disease, connective tissue disease, lupus, Marfan's disease and others.

Unfortunately, aortic valve pathology is fraught with complications. In particular, the appearance of blood clots, arrhythmias, heart malfunctions and even death. A healthy lifestyle will help to avoid such a development, and in case of the first “bells” about possible malfunctions in the heart motor - diagnosis and properly selected treatment.