Treatment of Aortic Valve Regurgitation 

Your doctor will recommend treatments that correspond with the severity and progression of your condition. Often, when symptoms are mild, your doctor will recommend medications and lifestyle changes.

If your condition grows worse, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace your aortic valve.

Repair of Aortic Valve

If your aortic valve needs repair, your heart surgeon may recommend a variety of options that reshape or fuse the flaps of your valve. This surgery is usually performed through an incision in the chest, but your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure that involves threading a long thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel near your wrist or groin until it enters your aortic valve. The tube is used to insert a plug into the valve.

Replacement of Your Aortic Heart Valve

Surgery to replace your aortic valve is the recommended course for treatment. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged valve and replace it with a mechanical valve, the valve from a pig or cow, or with human tissue. Over time, these tissues may need to be replaced. People with mechanical valves may need medications to thin the blood and prevent the formation of clots.

People who are considered to be at high risk of complications with surgery may be offered a less invasive form of valve replacement called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

During TAVR, your doctor threads a long thin tube through a blood vessel in your leg or chest to reach your heart. A replacement valve is guided through the tube to your heart. Sometimes these valves are made to expand on their own. Sometimes your surgeon will use a balloon to open the new valve. Then, your doctor will withdraw the catheter

Lifestyle Changes to Support Aortic Valve Regurgitation 

If you are diagnosed with a mild form aortic valve regurgitation, your doctor may recommend changes to your daily lifestyle. They may include:

Weight loss.

If you’re obese or overweight, your doctor may recommend weight loss.

A healthy diet.

Limit saturated fat or trans fats (like those found in some oils or margarines). Reduce salt, sugar, and dairy products. Enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean poultry or fish.

Regular exercise.

Regular physical activity like brisk walking or swimming for about 30-minutes each day may be incorporated into your daily routine.

Reducing high blood pressure.

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control your blood pressure.

Stop smoking.

Your doctor can recommend several options like medications, support groups, or hypnosis to help you quit tobacco.

Stress reduction.

Consider exercise, hobbies, or meditation to help you relax and manage your stress.