Aortic valve disease is dysfunction of the valve between the left ventricle and aorta. It has two main forms: aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation.
What is Aortic Valve Disease?#
The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. In valve disease, this function is impaired and creates additional burden on the heart.
Types of Aortic Valve Disease:
- Aortic stenosis
- Aortic regurgitation
- Combined aortic valve disease
Aortic Stenosis#
Causes#
- Degenerative calcification (age-related)
- Bicuspid aortic valve (congenital)
- Rheumatic heart disease
Symptoms#
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting (syncope)
- Exercise intolerance
Grading#
| Grade | Valve Area | Mean Gradient |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | >1.5 cm² | <20 mmHg |
| Moderate | 1.0-1.5 cm² | 20-40 mmHg |
| Severe | <1.0 cm² | >40 mmHg |
| Critical | <0.6 cm² | >60 mmHg |
Aortic Regurgitation#
Causes#
- Aortic root dilation
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Endocarditis
- Rheumatic disease
- Aortic dissection
Symptoms#
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Leg swelling
Grading#
- Mild: Jet width <25%
- Moderate: Jet width 25-64%
- Severe: Jet width ≥65%
Aortic Valve Disease Diagnosis#
Physical Examination#
- Systolic murmur (stenosis)
- Diastolic murmur (regurgitation)
- Pulse changes
Imaging#
- Echocardiography (gold standard)
- Transesophageal echo
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac CT
Additional Tests#
- ECG
- Exercise test
- Coronary angiography
Aortic Valve Disease Treatment#
Medical Treatment#
- Symptom control
- Heart failure treatment
- Blood pressure control
- Regular follow-up
Surgical Treatment#
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR):
- Mechanical valve
- Bioprosthetic valve
- Open heart surgery
Interventional Treatment#
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation):
- For high-risk patients
- Minimally invasive
- Rapid recovery
Treatment Decision#
Treatment decision depends on:
- Disease severity
- Presence of symptoms
- Left ventricular function
- Surgical risk score
- Patient preference
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is aortic stenosis dangerous?
What are the symptoms of aortic valve disease?
What is TAVI?
Can I exercise with aortic valve disease?
What is life like after aortic valve surgery?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for aortic valve disease evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Other structural heart treatments related to aortic valve disease:
- TAVI - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation
- Balloon Valvuloplasty - Balloon valve dilation
- Echocardiography - Valve assessment
- Heart Failure - Heart failure treatment
- CABG - Coronary bypass surgery