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Aortic Regurgitation (Aortic Insufficiency)

Backflow of blood into the left ventricle due to incomplete closure of the aortic valve.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Aortic Regurgitation (Aortic Insufficiency)?

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle due to incomplete closure of the aortic valve during diastole. It can be acute or chronic; in the chronic form the left ventricle dilates gradually and compensates.

Main causes include rheumatic heart disease, bicuspid aortic valve, endocarditis, aortic root dilation, Marfan syndrome and aortic dissection. Acute AR is usually caused by endocarditis or aortic dissection.

Chronic AR may be asymptomatic for a long time, but dyspnea, palpitations and heart failure develop as left ventricular function deteriorates. Surgical valve replacement is life-saving in severe AR.

Diagnosis is made by echocardiography, which evaluates the degree of regurgitation and left ventricular size and function.

Symptoms

Exertional dyspnea
Palpitations, especially when lying down
Chest pain or pressure
Fatigue and decreased exercise capacity
Prominent neck vein pulsation
Night sweats and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Risk Factors

Bicuspid aortic valve
History of rheumatic heart disease
Previous infective endocarditis
Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders
Aortic root dilation
Advanced age with degenerative valve changes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Decreased exercise capacity or new-onset dyspnea
  • Sudden severe dyspnea (suggesting acute AR)
  • Scheduled echocardiographic follow-up in known AR
  • Chest pain with palpitations

Treatment Methods

01
Regular echocardiographic follow-up in asymptomatic chronic AR
02
Vasodilator therapy (ACE inhibitors, nifedipine)
03
Surgical aortic valve replacement for severe symptomatic AR
04
Transcatheter valve procedures in selected patients
05
Composite graft surgery (Bentall) for aortic root dilation
06
Endocarditis prophylaxis and treatment of comorbidities

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Related Health Topics

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

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Heart Failure

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Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.