Aortic regurgitation: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Aortic regurgitation
| image          = [[File:Blausen_0039_AorticRegurgitation.png|250px]]
| caption        = Diagram of aortic regurgitation
| field          = [[Cardiology]]
| synonyms        = Aortic insufficiency
| symptoms        = [[Shortness of breath]], [[fatigue]], [[palpitations]], [[chest pain]]
| complications  = [[Heart failure]], [[endocarditis]], [[arrhythmias]]
| onset          = Gradual
| duration        = Long-term
| causes          = [[Rheumatic fever]], [[endocarditis]], [[bicuspid aortic valve]], [[Marfan syndrome]], [[aortic dissection]]
| risks          = [[Hypertension]], [[connective tissue disorders]]
| diagnosis      = [[Echocardiography]], [[chest X-ray]], [[MRI]]
| differential    = [[Mitral regurgitation]], [[ventricular septal defect]]
| treatment      = [[Medications]], [[surgery]]
| medication      = [[ACE inhibitors]], [[beta blockers]], [[diuretics]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on severity and treatment
| frequency      = Common in older adults
}}
{{Short description|A condition where the aortic valve in the heart does not close tightly}}
{{Short description|A condition where the aortic valve in the heart does not close tightly}}


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Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve leaflets fail to close completely during diastole, the phase of the heart cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. This incompetence of the valve allows blood to flow backward from the [[aorta]] into the left ventricle. Over time, this can lead to volume overload of the left ventricle, causing it to dilate and eventually leading to [[heart failure]].
Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve leaflets fail to close completely during diastole, the phase of the heart cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. This incompetence of the valve allows blood to flow backward from the [[aorta]] into the left ventricle. Over time, this can lead to volume overload of the left ventricle, causing it to dilate and eventually leading to [[heart failure]].


[[File:Blausen_0039_AorticRegurgitation.png|Diagram of aortic regurgitation|thumb|right]]
[[File:Blausen_0039_AorticRegurgitation.png|Diagram of aortic regurgitation|left|thumb]]


==Causes==
==Causes==
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* Degenerative changes in the aortic valve
* Degenerative changes in the aortic valve


[[File:Myxomatous_aortic_valve.jpg|Myxomatous degeneration of the aortic valve|thumb|left]]
[[File:Myxomatous_aortic_valve.jpg|Myxomatous degeneration of the aortic valve|left|thumb]]
[[File:Phonocardiograms_from_normal_and_abnormal_heart_sounds.svg|Phonocardiograms showing heart sounds|left|thumb]]


==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
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==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of aortic regurgitation is typically made using a combination of physical examination, [[echocardiography]], and other imaging techniques. A characteristic finding on auscultation is a diastolic murmur heard best along the left sternal border.
The diagnosis of aortic regurgitation is typically made using a combination of physical examination, [[echocardiography]], and other imaging techniques. A characteristic finding on auscultation is a diastolic murmur heard best along the left sternal border.
[[File:Phonocardiograms_from_normal_and_abnormal_heart_sounds.svg|Phonocardiograms showing heart sounds|thumb|right]]


==Treatment==
==Treatment==

Revision as of 15:44, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Aortic regurgitation
Synonyms Aortic insufficiency
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain
Complications Heart failure, endocarditis, arrhythmias
Onset Gradual
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Rheumatic fever, endocarditis, bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan syndrome, aortic dissection
Risks Hypertension, connective tissue disorders
Diagnosis Echocardiography, chest X-ray, MRI
Differential diagnosis Mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal defect
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medications, surgery
Medication ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Common in older adults
Deaths N/A


A condition where the aortic valve in the heart does not close tightly


Aortic regurgitation (AR), also known as aortic insufficiency, is a condition in which the aortic valve in the heart does not close tightly, allowing some of the blood that was pumped out of the heart's left ventricle to leak back into it. This can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications if left untreated.

Pathophysiology

Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve leaflets fail to close completely during diastole, the phase of the heart cycle when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. This incompetence of the valve allows blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. Over time, this can lead to volume overload of the left ventricle, causing it to dilate and eventually leading to heart failure.

Diagram of aortic regurgitation

Causes

Aortic regurgitation can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Myxomatous degeneration of the aortic valve
Phonocardiograms showing heart sounds

Symptoms

Patients with aortic regurgitation may experience a range of symptoms, including:

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of aortic regurgitation is typically made using a combination of physical examination, echocardiography, and other imaging techniques. A characteristic finding on auscultation is a diastolic murmur heard best along the left sternal border.

Treatment

Treatment for aortic regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of symptoms. Options include:

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with aortic regurgitation varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. Early intervention can improve outcomes significantly.

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