Damage To The Aortic Valve

Answer 1

The aortic valve is comprised of specialized tissue that acts to regulate the flow of blood from the left ventricle of the heart. If damaged, this can lead to irregular blood flow to all parts of the body, and may require surgery to repair or replace the valve entirely. A healthy heart means that all valves are operating normally, and consuming a well-planned diet is one of the most important things an individual can do to insure the aortic valve and the heart in general is kept in top condition.

Damage Caused To The Aortic Valve

If the blood vessels become blocked or constricted it can put unnecessary pressure on the aortic valve. Also a deformity in the shape of the heart muscle itself can constrict the area around the valve and cause it to open and close improperly. If the heart is not receiving adequate nutrition and oxygen because of a constricted coronary artery, the heart tissue can be affected, some of the muscle becoming scar tissue, and this can change the shape of the muscle and begin to affect the function of the valve itself.

Repair Or Replacement

Exploratory surgery may be necessary to decide if the aortic valve can be repaired. If it is determined that the shape of the valve can be altered successfully, the surgery that follows will involve the cutting away of some of the valve itself to make it close more tightly. However if the valve has suffered one or more perforations, replacing it with organic or inorganic tissue may be required. Tissue from an animal may be used to strengthen the valve, or a mechanical valve may be inserted to take over the function after the original valve has been cut away. This procedure involves bypassing the heart with a heart/lung machine during the operation.

Preventing Damage To The Aortic Valve

Eating a healthy diet that keeps unwanted fat deposits and LDL cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels is the best way to insure the heart in general and the aortic valve in particular are kept healthy. Most often a damaged aortic valve involves deposits in the area that restrict the blood flow or build up on the valve itself. A diet low in saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids will help keep cholesterol from accumulating, as will a high intake of soluble fiber. Fiber helps to clear fats and cholesterol from the body by trapping it in the digestive system, sweeping it from the body with the urine and feces before it can reach the bloodstream.

Consulting with a physician about heart health and getting regular checkups is the best way to address the problems associated with this vital organ. The aortic valve must be kept in good operating condition if the body is to receive nutrients and oxygen in adequate supply.