Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

THE HEART: TAKING DELIGHT IN THE HEART beats that have kept you going is part of life. Within the past century or so, advancements in medical science have enlightened mankind to the dark continent of many afflictions of the heart. One of the major conditions that can arise in such a context of affliction is known as Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease (DAVD). This all-inclusive text looks to key into Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease, to include overall definitions, types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is the Disease of Degenerative Aortic Stenosis?

Degenerative Aortic Stenosis is the other name for Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease, a major ailment which primarily strikes people above the age of 60. It is one of the most common diseases of the heart and ranks just after hypertension and coronary heart disease. DAVD is related with a mal-function of the aortic valve, which is the important valve controlling blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Huge majorly, there are two types of Aortic Valve Diseases:

• Aortic Valve Stenosis: In this condition, the cusps or leaflets of the aortic valve get thick and stiff. Thus, the opening that the aortic valve is supposed to open into halves due to the rigidity of the cusps; it results in reduced blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body.
• Aortic Valve Regurgitation (AVR) – As a result of this disease, the failing of the aortic valve to shut leads to blood flowing back into the left ventricles. Blood leakage that follows, hampers the rotational mechanism of pumping blood to the body.

Etiology of Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease, stemming from a variety of causes that hinder the proper functioning of the aortic valve, demands a clear understanding to be treated appropriately and intervened:

• Aging: The only most prevalent etiology for a majority of cases, more so amongst the adults, involves the aging predilection of tissue degeneration within the valves. The valve tends to calcify and dysfunctions with increasing age.
• Congenital Heart Defects: A person born with heart problems, e.g, bicuspid aortic valve (a valve with two cusps instead of the usual three) is more likely to have DAVD.
• High Blood Pressure: Over time, chronic high blood pressure can cause the aortic valve to become diseased.
• Infections: Infections, such as endocarditis—infection of the heart's inner lining—can injure the aortic valve.
• Radiation Therapy: If one has had radiation-based therapies in the past for any problems in the chest region, chances for DAVD to occur may be very high.
• Trauma: Severe injury to the chest can cause damage to the aortic valve, which may eventually lead to the function of the valve going haywire.

Risk Factors Associated with Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

A number of risk factors make a person susceptible to Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease. A few among these include the following:

• Age: An increase in the age of an individual makes him susceptible to DAVD. It is an age-related disease.
• Congenital Conditions: Congenital heart disease and the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve increase the risk.
• Infections: A history of infections involving the heart or endocarditis increases the risk of valve disease.
• Radiation Exposure: Past radiation therapy to the chest is another risk for valve degeneration.
• Hypertension: If the blood pressure is high over many years, it can augment the stress on the aortic valve

Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of DAVD vary in the context of the severity of the disease. Some patients may experience very mild, trivial symptoms or none at all, but others may experience severe complications. Typical symptoms include:

• Abnormal Heart Sounds: A clear heart murmur can be heard on physical examination.
• Dyspnea: The patient will experience shortness of breath, especially during exercises.
• Chest Pain: The patient will have chest discomfort or pressure.
• Fainting: The patient may faint, or syncope, or have dizziness due to a decreased amount of blood flow.
• Excessive Fatigue: Breaking down of heart efficiency will cause the patient to feel chronically tired and lacking energy.
• Arrhythmias: Irregularities in the heartbeats.

Complications of Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

DAVD can lead to serious complications affecting overall health and quality of life if not treated. It can cause heart failure, with serious and even deadly consequences if the heart fails to pump blood properly. Stroke: Patients with DAVD may also be at an increased risk of stroke, possibly due to blood clots.

• Blood Clots : DAVDcan encourage clots to develop within the heart, and they can become fatal.
• Arrhythmias: The irregular heartbeats can be accentuated and become of concern
• Death: In severe cases, there will be heart failure over time. This will be fatal if not managed accordingly

Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease Diagnosis

Diagnosing DAVDmay involve the following: review of one's medical history, having a physical done and tests to confirm if DAVDis present.

Tests used to diagnose

• Echocardiogram: It is a sonic test used to make images of the heart. Therefore, one can use it to assess aortic valve and blood flow. It's the primary clinical instrument for checking the function of the valve.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): this equipment charts heart electrical waves. This is done by putting electrodes on the skin. It detects the heart rhythm abnormalities and chamber enlargements.
• Chest X-ray: it is quite instrumental in helping check if the heart is enlarged. It also helps detect the conditions of the lungs.
• Cardiac CT: A CT scan gives clear images of the heart and the valves; therefore, it helps in assessing the condition thoroughly.

Treatment of Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

The mode of treatment for DAVD depends on the acuteness of the disease and the general health of the patient. Common ways of treating this include:

The operation itself can be performed by separating the fused valve cusps from each other, removing the extra tissue, or making the hole in the tissue patched. Especially, in the case of aortic stenosis, balloon valvuloplasty is performed to expand the valve.

• Aortic Valve Replacement: Some conditions are very critical, and valve replacement can be done with a new one instead. Mechanical valves or the biological ones— obtained from the tissues of animals and humans, can be used for the purpose.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): For patients with severe aortic stenosis, but who cannot withstand the rigors of open-heart surgery, this procedure utilizes a catheter, which is inserted through the leg or chest and guided to the site, where a new valve is placed.

Management of Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease

Management of DAVD most often includes both medicines and lifestyle changes. Some other best practices to help treat the disease include:

• Regular Monitoring: Scheduled follow-up visits and echocardiograms are the only proper way to monitor the development of the disease.
• Medication: In an effort to help manage symptoms and prevent complications, medications to thin the blood as well as control the rhythm of the heart can be administered.
• Lifestyle modification: Following a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly, quitting using tobacco and limiting the intake of alcohol, by losing weight you can improve general health as well as that of the heart.
• Patient Education: The patients require learning about their condition and the several procedures available for them to make good decisions regarding their care.

Conclusion

Degenerative disease of the aortic valve is a significant cardiac condition that requires careful management and timely intervention. Recent advances in diagnostic and treatment measures have empowered patients with effective therapies that help them improve quality of life. An understanding of the etiology, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options will place an individual in a position to make appropriate decisions and work carefully with health providers to effectively manage the condition.