Aortic valve insufficiency is one of the common heart valve diseases, accounting for about a quarter of all heart valve diseases. It occurs on the aortic valve between the left ventricle and the aorta of the heart. When the heart relaxes, the aortic valve should be completely closed to prevent blood from flowing back from the aorta to the left ventricle. However, in cases of aortic valve insufficiency, the valve cannot fully close, resulting in partial blood reflux back to the left ventricle.

pathogeny

The causes of aortic valve insufficiency are diverse, including congenital and acquired conditions. Acquired causes are more common, such as rheumatic heart disease, mucinous degenerative diseases, traumatic diseases, iatrogenic diseases, and congenital bicuspid deformities.

symptom

The symptoms of aortic valve insufficiency vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild regurgitation may have no obvious symptoms, while moderate to severe regurgitation may lead to an increase in left ventricular volume load, which in turn can cause symptoms such as left ventricular enlargement and heart failure, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and arrhythmia.

therapeutic method

The treatment methods for aortic valve insufficiency include drug therapy and surgical treatment.

medication:

Mainly used for chronic patients to alleviate symptoms and delay disease progression. Common medications include vasodilators (such as nitroprusside and hydrazine), inotropic drugs (to enhance myocardial contractility), diuretics (such as furosemide), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (such as benazepril).

Surgical treatment:

For patients with moderate to severe aortic valve insufficiency accompanied by obvious symptoms, surgical treatment is the first choice. Surgical methods include valve repair and valve replacement. Valve repair surgery is suitable for patients with mild valve lesions, restoring valve function by repairing the leaflets and annulus. Valve replacement surgery is suitable for patients with severe valve disease and loss of physiological function. It involves removing the diseased valve and implanting an artificial valve to restore cardiac function.

The latest treatment method also includes Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVR), which is a minimally invasive surgical approach suitable for high-risk patients who cannot tolerate traditional open chest surgery. TAVR surgery uses blood vessels to deliver artificial valves into the aortic valve position and release them, thereby completing valve replacement. It has the advantages of minimal trauma and fast recovery.

In summary, aortic valve insufficiency is a heart disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment. By implementing reasonable medication and surgical treatment plans, the progression of the disease can be effectively controlled and the quality of life of patients can be improved.