Aortic Valve Disease
Reviewed by Columbia Structural Heart and Valve Faculty, July 2024
About the Aortic Valve
The aortic valve is located on the left side of the heart and serves as the gateway between the left ventricle—the largest chamber of the heart—and the aorta—the largest artery in the body. The aortic valve normally has three leaflets (also known as flaps or cusps) that open and close to regulate the supply of blood to the body and prevent blood from flowing back into the heart.
What is Aortic Valve Disease?
Aortic valve disease occurs when the valve doesn’t function correctly or efficiently. The two most common conditions affecting the aortic valve's ability to regulate blood flow are:
- Aortic regurgitation (AR) or aortic insufficiency is a condition where the valve does not close normally. This allows blood to leak back or “regurgitate” into the heart rather than flowing forward and supplying blood to the organs.
- Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing of the opening of the valve most often caused by age-related degeneration, calcium deposits, or a bicuspid valve (two leaflets instead of three). The valve becomes constricted and limits blood from flowing out of the heart and into the rest of the body.
With aortic valve disease, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body. Eventually this will cause a weakening of the heart muscle and increase the risk of irreversible damage and heart failure.
What Are the Symptoms of Aortic Valve Disease?
Symptoms of aortic valve disease include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart palpitations
- Weakness and tiredness
- Dizziness and fainting
These symptoms will cause a decrease in one's quality of life and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Aortic Valve Disease?
Aortic heart valve disease can be present from birth or acquired later in life, and certain risk factors contribute to how likely someone is to develop the condition. Causes and risk factors include:
- Congenital defects
- Age
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Chest trauma
- Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart)
- Genetic disorders like Marfan’s syndrome
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Infections
- Rheumatic fever
How is Aortic Valve Disease Treated?
Until recently, open-heart surgery had been the standard treatment for significant aortic valve stenosis. However, new treatment options like transcather aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have changed how these conditions are treated. These minimally invasive procedures are alternatives to traditional open surgery and can reduce pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications. They also offer treatment options for people who are not candidates for surgery.
Learn More About Aortic Valve Disease Treatments
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If you or someone you care about is dealing with aortic valve disease, please call (212) 342-0444 or complete our online appointment application form (the link opens in a new window).
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