Aortic Regurgitation Treatment

In the case of severe acute aortic regurgitation, especially due to trauma, immediate surgery may be needed.

For chronic aortic regurgitation, the proper timing of medical therapy versus surgical treatment depends on several factors. These include:

• When you develop symptoms and how severe they are
• The degree of heart damage and level of heart function
• Your age
• The risks associated with the treatment

Treatment for aortic regurgitation may include:

Medications

If aortic regurgitation is not causing symptoms and heart function remains normal, you may be treated with medications that lower blood pressure to reduce the pressure against which the heart pumps. Medication may also be given to treat chest pain, to treat irregular heartbeats, to prevent infection of damaged or artificial valves, and to prevent blood clots. If you have heart failure, you may be treated with medications that help your heart to pump more effectively.

Surgery

Surgery is usually performed for severe acute aortic regurgitation or when the timing is right for chronic aortic regurgitation. If you have chronic aortic regurgitation, your doctor will follow your symptoms and heart function closely in order to determine the best surgical timing for you. Surgery involves replacing the aortic valve.