Aortic regurgitation (aortic insufficiency) is leakage of the aortic valve allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle during diastole. This progressive condition gradually dilates the left ventricle and compromises cardiac function. Livasa Hospital provides comprehensive AR evaluation and management with medical optimization and timely surgical intervention when indicated.

Understanding Aortic Regurgitation

The aortic valve must close completely after systole to prevent backward flow. AR develops from:

• Primary (valve) causes – Leaflet prolapse, endocarditis, rheumatic disease

• Secondary (aortic root) causes – Aortic dilatation from hypertension, aortic dissection, Marfan syndrome

Pathophysiology

Progressive AR causes:

• Increased left ventricular volume load

• Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy

• Increased myocardial oxygen demand

• Eventually systolic and diastolic dysfunction

• Heart failure risk

Severity Assessment

Clinical Presentation

Acute AR:

• Sudden dyspnoea

• Cardiogenic shock

• Acute heart failure

Chronic AR:

• Often asymptomatic initially

• Progressive dyspnoea with activity

• Exertional chest discomfort

• Heart failure in advanced stages

Diagnostic Evaluation

Echocardiography:

• Valve morphology assessment

• Regurgitant jet severity

• Left ventricular dimensions and function

• Aortic root measurement

ECG:

• Left ventricular hypertrophy

• May show left axis deviation

Cardiac catheterization:

• Aortic root pressures

• Coronary angiography to assess for CAD

Management Strategy

Asymptomatic with normal LV:

• Medical therapy with vasodilators

• Regular echo surveillance

• Intervention if LV dilatation or dysfunction develops

Symptomatic or LV dysfunction:

• Aortic valve replacement indicated

Aortic root dilatation:

• Consider root replacement (Bentall procedure)

• Composite graft technique

Medical Therapy

Vasodilators:

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs

• Calcium channel blockers

• Hydralazine

Reduce afterload, slowing LV dilatation and delaying need for surgery.

Surgical Intervention

Valve replacement:

• Surgical removal and prosthesis placement

• Good long-term outcomes

Root replacement:

• Necessary when aortic root enlarged

• Composite grafts with mechanical valve

Post-Operative Management

• Regular echocardiographic follow-up

• Anticoagulation if mechanical valve

• Activity recommendations

Why Choose Livasa Hospital?

• Experienced cardiac surgeons

• Comprehensive valve assessment

• Access to modern prostheses

• Long-term valve surveillance

NAP – Contact Details

Livasa Hospital Mohali
Sector 71, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar)
Mohali, Punjab – 160071
Phone: +91-80788 80788 (24/7 Emergency)
Website: www.livasahospitals.com

Call +91-80788 80788 to schedule aortic regurgitation evaluation at Livasa Hospital.