Aortic valve disease involves abnormalities or dysfunction of the aortic valve, one of the four valves in the heart, which regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The two primary types of aortic valve disease are aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation.

1. Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Causes of Aortic Stenosis:

  • Age-Related Changes: Calcium deposits on the valve lead to stiffening and narrowing over time.

  • Congenital Heart Defect: Some people are born with an aortic valve that has only two cusps (bicuspid valve) instead of three, which can cause stenosis in adulthood.

  • Rheumatic Fever: A complication of streptococcal infections, which can cause scar formation and valve damage.

2. Aortic Regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation (also known as aortic insufficiency) occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle.

Causes of Aortic Regurgitation:

  • Valve Damage: Infections like endocarditis, rheumatic fever, or other diseases can damage the aortic valve.

  • Congenital Valve Abnormalities: Some people are born with an aortic valve that doesn't close properly.

  • Aortic Root Diseases: Conditions like Marfan syndrome, aneurysms, or hypertension can affect the area where the valve is located, leading to regurgitation.

  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation and deterioration of the valve.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of aortic valve disease typically involves echocardiograms, chest X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and sometimes cardiac catheterization.

Treatment depends on the severity and type of aortic valve disease. Mild cases may only require regular monitoring, while more severe cases might need medication or surgery. Surgical options include aortic valve repair or replacement (either with mechanical valves or biological tissue valves). In recent years, less invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have also become more common for certain patients.