Aortic valve disease refers to structural or functional abnormalities of the aortic valve that impair normal blood circulation. The most common forms are aortic stenosis (narrowing of the valve) and aortic regurgitation (incomplete closure of the valve leaflets). Treatment is aimed at improving cardiac function and preventing complications.
Symptoms of aortic valve disease
- Shortness of breath, which may worsen during physical exertion.
- Fatigue and general weakness.
- Chest pain.
- Syncope or dizziness.
- Palpitations.
Diagnosis
Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is the key diagnostic method, allowing assessment of valve morphology and severity of dysfunction. Electrocardiography (ECG) helps detect rhythm disturbances. Chest X-ray may reveal cardiac enlargement or pulmonary congestion. Cardiac catheterization is used to уточнить valve hemodynamics and intracardiac pressures.
Treatment options
Conservative management is used in early stages of the disease. It may include diuretics to reduce fluid overload, vasodilators to decrease cardiac afterload, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors for blood pressure control, and antiarrhythmic agents to stabilize heart rhythm.
Surgical treatment includes valve repair to restore native valve function, valve replacement with a mechanical or biological prosthesis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as a minimally invasive option, and balloon valvuloplasty as a temporary measure to relieve stenosis.
Treatment of aortic valve disease helps restore effective cardiac function, prevent severe complications, and improve quality of life. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment are available in leading medical centers in Belarus, where modern technologies and an individualized approach are applied.
