Aortic valve replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat severe dysfunction of the aortic valve by removing the diseased valve and replacing it with a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve. This procedure is performed when the aortic valve becomes too damaged to function properly, either due to stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening) or regurgitation (leakage of the valve), conditions that impede normal blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Mechanical valves are durable and long-lasting but require lifelong anticoagulant therapy, while biological valves, often made from animal tissue, have a more natural function but may need replacement after several years. The need for aortic valve replacement is often caused by conditions such as aortic stenosis, which can result from age-related calcification, congenital valve defects, or rheumatic fever. Aortic regurgitation may result from conditions such as infections (endocarditis), trauma, or diseases that affect the connective tissue, like Marfan syndrome. Symptoms leading to aortic valve replacement include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and fainting, often worsening with exertion. These symptoms indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively, leading to heart enlargement or failure if left untreated. Aortic valve replacement can significantly improve a patient's symptoms and quality of life, and in many cases, it is life-saving. Recovery typically takes several weeks, and patients need ongoing monitoring and possible lifestyle changes to ensure long-term success.
