Aortic Valve Regurgitation - Treatment Overview
Treatment for aortic valve regurgitation usually depends on whether you have symptoms from your leaky heart valve and whether your heart is pumping effectively. Other factors that play a part in treatment decisions include your age (older people may be at greater-than-average risk for complications of some treatments), risks associated with surgery, and the experience of the doctor and health care facility performing the procedures.
If you have
symptoms, surgical treatment may be needed. If your symptoms develop suddenly
(acute aortic regurgitation), immediate
surgery to replace the valve 
is usually needed.
The treatment for acute aortic regurgitation is usually limited to immediate surgery, so this treatment overview will discuss the treatment of chronic aortic valve regurgitation.
Initial treatment
Your doctor will assess the
cause and severity of your
aortic valve regurgitation 
and how effectively your heart is able to compensate
for it. In addition to some preliminary tests-including routine blood tests and
an
electrocardiogram-an
exercise electrocardiogram (also called exercise EKG
or cardiac stress test) can be done. This test will help you and your doctor see whether you have any symptoms while
you are exercising.
An echocardiogram will probably be done too. The echocardiogram measures how much your valve is leaking, the size of your left ventricle, and your ejection fraction. These measurements help your doctor know when surgery is needed.
If your regurgitation is mild and you do not have any symptoms, your doctor may not prescribe daily heart medicines. If you have had rheumatic fever, you may need to take antibiotics daily for the following 5 to 10 years, depending on your heart's condition.
If your regurgitation is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe a high blood pressure medicine. These medicines include the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), or the vasodilator hydralazine.
Since your heart is already working overtime to keep up with your body's needs, your doctor will probably recommend specific lifestyle changes to decrease your heart's workload.
- If you smoke, try to quit. Medicines and counseling can help you quit for good.
- Your doctor will also recommend that you follow a heart-healthy diet.
- If you do not have symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation, and your left ventricle is working well, your doctor may recommend regular, light aerobic exercise, such as walking. But do not start an exercise program on your own without first discussing it with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend you have tests to see what sort of exercise is safe for you.
- Good dental hygiene and regular dental checkups are important. Poor dental health can increase the risk of bacteria spreading to your heart.
- Avoid getting sick from the flu. Get a flu shot every year.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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