The aorta is the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. After each heartbeat, the valve closes tightly to prevent blood from flowing backwards into the heart. Aortic insufficiency occurs when the aortic valve does not close tightly enough.
There are 2 types of aortic insufficiency:
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Aortic insufficiency can be caused by:
Sometimes the cause of aortic insufficiency is unknown.
Factors that may increase your chances of aortic insufficiency include:
Symptoms of aortic insufficiency include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images may be taken of your heart. This can be done with:
Treatment options depend on the severity and history of the valve leakage. It also depends on the effects on the heart’s size and function. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
In chronic and slowly progressive aortic insufficiency, treatment may involve taking medicine. Surgery is needed in severe cases.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may schedule routine physical exams and echocardiograms.
Medications cannot fix the valve, but they can be used to treat aortic insufficiency. Medication used may include:
If the condition is rapidly declining, surgery is needed.
There are several open heart surgeries that can fix leaking valves. The type chosen will depend on the valve and the knowledge of the surgeon.
Aortic insufficiency may not be preventable. If you have a family history, talk with your doctor about screening tests.
American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca
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Coarctation of aorta. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116066/Coarctation-of-aorta. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Congenital heart defects. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/congenital-heart-defects.html. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Explore congenital heart defects. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/chd. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Problem: Aortic valve regurgitation. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/HeartValveProblemsandDisease/Problem-Aortic-Valve-Regurgitation_UCM_450611_Article.jsp#.WbvwebKGNxA. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 8/14/2020
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