Today is Medical Monday at Aortic Hope.
Let's chat about Aortic Valve Disease. The Society for Thoracic Surgeons has a wonderful patient website and they share with the community that: "There are two main types of aortic valve disease:
Aortic Regurgitation (also known as aortic insufficiency) — the valve does not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart
Aortic Stenosis — the valve is too tight and does not open enough to allow blood to leave the heart and spread to the body."
Aortic disease can actually begin at birth (congenital) or develop as we age (acquired). "A faulty or failing aortic valve may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness or loss of consciousness (passing out). These symptoms are due to the heart having to work harder because of the narrowed or leaky valve. Some patients will be unable to sleep flat in bed or may awaken short of breath. Another potential symptom is swollen feet, particularly in the late afternoon or early evening."
Presently, there are no medications that can cure aortic valve disease. Typically, valves are fixed surgically.
For detailed information including easy to understand videos about aortic valve disease, click here.