About this topic
The heart pumps blood to the body. The blood leaves the heart through a big blood vessel called the aorta. There is a small valve at the opening between the heart and the aorta. It is called the aortic valve. This keeps the blood from flowing back into the heart. Sometimes, the valve becomes weak or does not close all the way. Then, some of the blood flows back into the heart. This problem may happen over time. The part of the heart that pumps blood to the body becomes bigger and does not pump as well as it should. Other times, the valve is harmed all of a sudden from an infection or injury. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If the problem is mild, you may not need treatment. Instead, you will need to go for regular checkups to your doctor.
- Take all drugs that the doctor orders you to take.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent infection before dental work or other healthcare treatments
Will physical activity be limited?
If you have bad damage to the aortic valve, your doctor may limit your activity. If your damage is mild, exercise may help to lower your blood pressure. Ask your doctor how much activity is safe for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet rich in veggies, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat.
- Limit salt intake to lower blood pressure.
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Fluid in the lungs
- Infection of the lining of the heart
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always get care for strep infections. This can lessen the risk of getting rheumatic fever and aortic insufficiency.
- If you have high blood pressure, be sure to follow your doctors instructions on how to lower it.
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight. Being heavy can put you at risk for high blood pressure.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Chest pain
- Heart feels like it is racing or skipping beats
- Feeling faint or tired and weak
- Trouble breathing
- More swelling in the legs or belly
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain or my heart feels like it is racing or skipping beats.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Aortic-Valve-Stenosis-AVS_UCM_307020_Article.jsp ‚
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hvd/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚