aortaklaffinsufficiens

Aortaklaffinsufficiens, also known as aortic regurgitation, is a condition where the aortic valve does not close properly. This allows blood to leak backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole, the phase of the heart cycle when the ventricles relax. The aortic valve is situated between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the valve is insufficient, this backward flow of blood increases the volume of blood the left ventricle must pump with each beat.

Over time, this extra workload can cause the left ventricle to enlarge and thicken, a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy. Eventually, the ventricle may become dilated and weakened, leading to heart failure. Symptoms of aortaklaffinsufficiens can vary depending on the severity and the speed of onset. Mild cases may be asymptomatic for years. As it progresses, individuals may experience shortness of breath, especially with exertion, chest pain (angina), fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles (edema), and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. A characteristic sign, though not always present, is a bounding pulse.

The causes of aortaklaffinsufficiens are diverse. They can include congenital defects of the aortic valve, rheumatic fever, endocarditis (infection of the heart valve), hypertension, connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, and aortic dissection or trauma. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, listening for the characteristic murmur with a stethoscope, and echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to visualize the heart and valve function. Other imaging tests like cardiac MRI or CT scans may also be used. Treatment depends on the severity of the regurgitation and the presence of symptoms. In mild cases, regular monitoring may suffice. For more severe or symptomatic cases, medications to manage symptoms or surgical repair or replacement of the aortic valve may be necessary.