Question 1

what sort of problem is aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Leaky valve: Aortic regurgitation describes blood flowing backwards through the aortic valve of the heart because the valve doesn't close completely. This can be detected by listening for a specific type of heart murmur and doing an echocardiogram. Depending on the severity and associated problems with heart function, surgery may be necessary to correct some cases.

Question 2

is aortic regurgitation hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Might be: Depending upon the cause of the aortic regurgitation (and there are many), the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve, as an example, may be hereditary.

Question 3

is aortic regurgitation progressive?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes.: This is usually a condition which will become worse over time.

Question 4

when does aortic regurgitation progress?

Accepted Answer

Slowly unless..: Depending on the cause, it may progress quite slowly unless there is further unjury to the valve from inflammation, infection, or uncontrolled hypertension. If it is already severe, the main concern is to determine when the valve leak is putting to much strain on the heart and your doc has to monitor that.

Question 5

what can cause severe aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Many: Acute valvular bacterial or fungal endocarditis, trauma, acute aortic dissection, sinus of valsalva aneurysm, acute deceleration compressive aortic valve injury, trauma, to include some.

Question 6

what do you recommend for aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Long course: If the ar is acute (eg due to infection or trauma), the problem is urgent. Otherwise, there is a period of many decades in which it should be monitored. Mild ar may never cause symptoms or require treatment. Serial echocardiograms done over the years will determine if the ar is leading to harm.  Treatment is replacement of the aortic valve. Amlodipine may slow progression over the years.

Question 7

what is the meaning of mild aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Leakage: The aortic valve, when closed, prevents blood from rushing back into the left ventricle from which it has just been expelled by contraction of that chamber during systole.  When there is some form of abnormality to the valve there may be leakage back into the left ventricle during diastole.  Therefore, the blood is regurgitating back.

Question 8

does strenuous exercise make aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

No: But , severe aortic regurgitation can lead to heart failure and inability to exercise.

Question 9

what puts someone at risk for aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: High blood pressure , aortic aneurysm , aortic dissection. Connective tissue disease , congenital valve disease ......

Question 10

what is the best method for detecting aortic regurgitation?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram in the hands of a skilled cardiologist is probably best for detection of almost all cardiac valve disorders.  Sometimes an echo done "internally" through a scope into the esophagus is needed, a trans-esophageal echo.  In severe disease, a heart catheterization will often be done, usually if surgery is to be contemplated to repair a bad valve, but not just for detection.

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What is aortic regurgitation

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What sort of problem is aortic regurgitation?

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Is aortic regurgitation hereditary?

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Is aortic regurgitation progressive?

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When does aortic regurgitation progress?

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What can cause severe aortic regurgitation?

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What do you recommend for aortic regurgitation?

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What is the meaning of mild aortic regurgitation?

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Does strenuous exercise make aortic regurgitation?

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What puts someone at risk for aortic regurgitation?

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What is the best method for detecting aortic regurgitation?

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