Aortic Valve Disease

Treatment

Patients with heart valve disease are at increased risk for getting bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart and its valves, which can progress rapidly and be fatal. They must take antibiotics prior to any dental and surgical procedures that might introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

Regular follow-up by healthcare providers is important. Actively observing the stability or the progression of aortic valve disease is important so that the right treatment can be started at the right time. Valves need to be repaired or replaced before irreversible damage occurs.

Monitoring

If tests reveal a mild to moderate condition and there are no symptoms, the physician will suggest scheduled checkups to carefully monitor the valve so medications can be prescribed or surgery done at the appropriate time.

Medications

People with heart valve disease are at increased risk for bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart and its valves. While this infection is serious, it is quite rare. If you have a prosthetic valve or have had endocarditis previously, you may be advised to take antibiotics prior to dental and surgical procedures that potentially could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

Medications are available to control pain, reduce the workload on the heart and regulate the heart's rhythm, and in some cases may slow the progression aortic valve disease. However, no medications can cure heart valve disease. Mayo Clinic is involved in clinical trials studying the use of statin drugs to slow or prevent the progression of aortic valve stenosis.