How to Treat Aortic Regurgitation

Aortic valve regurgitation is when the aortic valve releases blood back into the chamber. It could be a result of endocarditis, high blood pressure or a bicuspid aortic valve. You and your health care provider can discuss your options and determine if you need surgery, medication or a simple lifestyle change. Your doctor may recommend all three.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor if you have the symptoms of aortic regurgitation, such as chest pain, fatigue, swelling, irregular heart beat, shortness of breath or high fever.

• 2

  Replace those valves. A valve-replacement surgery may be your only option for good heart health. If your valve is too damaged or has vegetation growing on it, it won't be able to function properly. Your surgeon will need to replace, or in some cases, repair the valve.

• 3

  Change your lifestyle. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and slow down. Eat a heart-healthy diet and get moderate exercise, but don't overexert yourself to make your heart work overtime.

• 4

  Practice good dental hygiene. Get regular dental checkups and take antibiotics prior to any dental work. Poor dental care could lead to bacteria getting into your bloodstream and settling in your heart.

• 5

  Take your medicine. Your doctor may prescribe medication to keep your heart from working overtime.