Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are procedures
that treat diseases affecting the aortic valve.
The aortic valve is one of four valves that regulate blood flow
through the heart. These valves keep blood flowing in the correct direction
through the heart.
The aortic valve separates the heart's main pumping chamber
(left ventricle) and the main artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to your
body (aorta).
With each contraction of the ventricle, the aortic valve opens
and allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the
ventricle relaxes, the aortic valve closes to prevent blood from flowing
backward into the ventricle.
When the aortic valve isn't working properly, it can interfere with blood flow as well as force the heart to work harder to supply the necessary blood to the rest of your body.
In some people, aortic valve disease may not cause any signs or symptoms for many years, if at all. Others may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement can treat aortic valve disease and help restore normal blood flow, reduce symptoms, prolong life and help preserve the function of your heart muscle.