AORTIC VALVE DISEASE

Aortic Valve disease refers to any condition that affects the function of the aortic valve,which controls blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body

TYPES OF VALVE

Aortic Regurgitation (AR)

Aortic Stenosis (AS)

Mixed Aortic Valve disease

Aortic Stenosis (AS)

Narrowing of aortic valve opening

Blood flow from heart is restricted to the rest of body

CAUSES

Age related

congenital since birth ( two leaflets instead of 3 )

Rheumatic disease

SYMPTOMS:

Chest pain( angina)

Syncope (fainting)

Dyspnea( shortness of breath)

Fatigue ( tiredness)

Palpitations

Heart failure symptoms ( odema – swelling , orthopnea

Aortic Stenosis (AS)

Narrowing of aortic valve opening

Blood flow from heart is restricted to the rest of body

CAUSES

Age related

congenital since birth ( two leaflets instead of 3 )

Rheumatic disease

SYMPTOMS:

Chest pain( angina)

Syncope (fainting)

Dyspnea( shortness of breath)

Fatigue ( tiredness)

Palpitations

Heart failure symptoms ( odema – swelling , orthopnea

Aortic Regurgitation (AR)

Leakage of the valve of the valve leading to backflow of blood from aorta to ventricle (backward to the heart)

CAUSES

Valve degenration

Infection (endocarditis)

trauma

SYMPTOMS:

Dyspnea( shortness of breath)

Fatigue ( tiredness)

Palpitations

Heart failure symptoms ( odema – swollen ankles in later stages)

Mixed Aortic Valve disease

Heatr Failure

Mixed Aortic Valve disease

Combination of stenosis and regurgitation (AS+AR)

Realign your spine to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore proper function.

Realign your spine to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore proper function.

DIAGNOSIS

NOW

• ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY : to asses valve anatomy and function and ventricle function

• ECG

• CHEST XRAY

• Cardiac CT :structural details and planning for surgery

Treatment strategies depend on the severity of the condition, presence of symptoms, the specific type of aortic valve disease, and the patient's overall health

MANAGEMENT

Early stages:

Mild or moderate cases, or asymptomatic patients, may only require regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications.h

Medications:

Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup.
Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs).
Antiarrhythmic medications to regulate heart rhythm.

Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup.
Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs).
Antiarrhythmic medications to regulate heart rhythm.

Can help manage symptoms, but don't cure the disease or reverse valve damage

Lifestyle adjustments:

· Heart-healthy diet, low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.

· Regular, moderate exercise, after discussing with a healthcare provider.

· Avoiding tobacco products.

· Maintaining a healthy weight.

· Good dental hygiene to prevent endocarditis.

· Heart-healthy diet, low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.

· Regular, moderate exercise, after discussing with a healthcare provider.

· Avoiding tobacco products.

· Maintaining a healthy weight.

· Good dental hygiene to prevent endocarditis.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

A minimally invasive procedure where a new valve is implanted using a catheter, typically inserted via a blood vessel in the leg or groin. TAVR is often an option for patients considered ata very high risk for traditional open-heart surgery.

POST OPERATIVE MANAGEMNT

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• Rehabilitation – walking , stair climbing, chest physiotherapy, spirometry wound care

• Dietary restrictions for patients on acitrom

• Mechanical valve – regular INR monitoring

Prognosis

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The prognosis for aortic valve disease depends heavily on the severity of the condition and the timing of intervention. Untreated, severe aortic stenosis can lead to a significantly reduced life expectancy. However, with appropriate medical management and timely surgical or interventional procedures, many individuals can lead active and fulfilling lives.