AORTIC DISEASE

Aortic disease also known as aortic valve disease is a type of valvular heart disease in which the valve between the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) and the main artery to the body (aorta) doesn't work properly.

The aortic valve helps keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart. A damaged or diseased aortic valve can affect blood flow to the rest of the heart and body.

TYPES

Aortic valve disease includes:

• Aortic valve stenosis.The flaps (cusps) of the aortic valve become thick and stiff, or they fuse together. These problems cause the valve opening to become narrow. The narrowed valve reduces or blocks blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
• Aortic valve regurgitation.The aortic valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left lower heart chamber (ventricle).

Aortic valve disease may be present at birth (congenital heart disease), or it may occur later in life due to other health conditions.

Treatment for aortic valve disease depends on the type and severity of disease. Some people may need surgery to repair or replace the aortic valve.

SYMPTOMS

Some people with aortic valve disease may not notice symptoms for many years. Signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease may include:

• Whooshing or swishing heart sound (heart murmur)
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue after activity or having less ability to be active
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath, particularly during vigorous activity or when lying down
• Not eating enough (mainly in children with aortic valve stenosis)
• Not gaining enough weight (mainly in children with aortic valve stenosis)

CAUSES

Chambers and valves of the heart Open pop-up dialog box

Aortic valve disease may be caused by a heart defect present at birth (congenital heart defect). Other causes of aortic valve disease later in life include:

• Age-related changes to the heart
• Infections
• High blood pressure
• Injury to the heart

To better understand the causes of aortic valve disease, it may be helpful to know how the heart valves typically work.

The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. These valves are:

• Aortic valve
• Mitral valve
• Tricuspid valve
• Pulmonary valve

Aortic valve stenosis Open pop-up dialog box

Each valve has flaps (cusps or leaflets) that open and close once during each heartbeat. Sometimes, a valve doesn't open or close properly. This can reduce or block blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body.

In aortic valve disease, the valve between the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) and the body's main artery (aorta) doesn't work properly. The valve may be thickened and stiff (stenosis) or it may not close properly, causing blood to flow backward.

RISK FACTORS

Many things can raise the risk of aortic valve disease, including:

• Older age.Calcium deposits can build up on the aortic valve as people age, causing the aortic valve to stiffen and become narrow.
• Heart valve problems present at birth (congenital heart defects).Some people are born with a missing, extra or fused valve flap (cusp), increasing the risk of aortic valve regurgitation.
• Rheumatic fever.This complication of strep throat can cause aortic stenosis, a type of valve disease. If you have heart valve disease due to rheumatic fever, it's called rheumatic heart disease. If not, it's called nonrheumatic heart disease.
• Inflammation of the lining of the heart's chambers and valves (endocarditis).This life-threatening condition is usually caused by infection. It can damage the aortic valve.
• History of radiation therapy to the chest.Some types of cancer are treated with radiation therapy. Symptoms of heart valve disease may not be noticed until many years after radiation therapy is received.
• Other health conditions.Chronic kidney disease, lupus and Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disease, can increase the risk of aortic stenosis or regurgitation.

COMPLICATIONS

Potential complications of aortic valve disease may include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias)
• Death due to sudden cardiac arrest
• Proper diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathic medicines are the medicines which are given to the people by using drugs in a smaller quantity. Homeopathic medicines are considered as safe and also effective remedy for treating any disease. These homeopathic remedies don't cause any side effects as they are made from the products obtained naturally. These medicines help in treating the diseases from their roots and also they provide effective results. Many homeopathic medicines are there which help in preventing heart valvular disease.

The various homeopathic medicines to treat aortic disease are as follows:

Adonis Vernalis : Adonis Vernalis is a homeopathic medicine used for the treatment of aortic disease. These medicines help in regulating the pulse and also helps in controlling the rate of the heart. These medicines give the best result in the cases when any aortic disease is caused due to the chronic aortitis, aortic regurgitation which causes the traumatic rupture of the valve or rheumatic endocarditis. You should take this medicine only after consulting the doctor.

Spigelia anthelmia: Spigelia anthelmia is another homeopathic medicine used to treat heart valvular disease. During heart valvular disease, the valve of the heart becomes damaged. This medicine is given in a situation when there are the symptoms of heart valve disease such as irregular pulse, weakness, palpitations etc. along with the headache. These medications help in preventing the heart valvular disease and also helps in proper functioning of the valves. These medicines can be given to the person if they are having the symptoms of aortic disease.

Kalmia: Kalmia is another homeopathic medicine used for curing heart valvular disease. These medicines help in controlling the rate of the heart. These medicines help in the treatment of valvular disease when it is caused due to rheumatic fever that leads to the problem in the opening and closing of the valves. When there is a difficulty in opening and closing of the valves then it can lead to the problem in the flow of blood to the heart and also from the heart, causing aortic disease. These medicines are also considered as safe because they are made using herbs.

Aurum Metallicum: Aurum Metallicum is another homeopathic medicine used for curing the aortic disease.  Aortic disease is a type of disorder of the heart in which the valve of the heart does not function properly. Aurum Metallicum is given in a situation when aortic disease is caused due to the palpitations, rheumatic fever, pericarditis, chest pain etc. These medicines do not have any side effects and are also considered as effective for curing heart valvular disease.