Aortic regurgitation (AR) occurs when aortic valve leaflets do not close adequately. As a result, blood flow leaks back to left ventricle (LV) which is one of the four heart chambers (see picture).
In developed countries, the most common causes of AR are aortic root dilation and congenital bicuspid aortic valve. In developing countries, the most common cause is rheumatic heart disease.
Since the size and function of left ventricle (LV) is critical in determining the timing and need for surgery, doctors may recommend serial echocardiography ranging from every 6 months to every 3 years.
The American Heart Association recommended aortic valve replacement or repair in asymptomatic patients with left ventricle pumping power (LVEF) <50>
With regard to medications, ACE inhibitor shows greatest benefit in patients with shortness of breath and significant dilation of left ventricle.
Women have a poorer outcome following aortic valve replacement when compared to men; post-operative 10-year survival rate for women and men was 39 and 72 percent respectively [Circulation 1996 Nov 15;94(10):2472-8].
The 2007 American Heart Association guidelines did not recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with (AR) when they had dental or surgical procedures.
No comments:
Post a Comment