The heart contains four chambers with a wall separating the right and left sides. The two upper chambers, known as the atria, receive blood while the two lower chambers, known as the ventricles, pump blood. Blood flows in only one direction through the heart due to the presence of four heart valves. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the aortic valve to the aorta, which carries the blood to the body. Conditions that cause the aortic valve to malfunction may lead to an aortic valve replacement.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
The Society of Thoracic Surgery reports bicuspid aortic valve disease, which affects 1 to 2 percent of the population, as the second most common cause of aortic valve replacement. Bicuspid aortic valve disease occurs as a result of a congenital heart defect---an abnormality present at birth. Normally the aortic valve contains three small flaps known as leaflets that open and close to regulate the flow of blood. A bicuspid aortic valve contains only two leaflets.
Although the valve may function for years without producing any symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic, over time it can become stiff and hard, restricting the blood flow, a condition known as stenosis. In other patients the valve may fail to close properly, leading to a backflow of blood into the left ventricle. In either case an aortic valve replacement may be required.
Senile Aortic Calcification
Senile aortic calcification describes a condition in which calcium deposits collect on the aortic valve. This condition usually occurs in older patients, as the deposit of calcium occurs over time. When calcium deposits on the leaflets of the aortic valve, it makes the valve stiff and hard. This condition, known as stenosis, restricts the flow of blood through the valve, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting. The increased strain on the left ventricle can lead to heart failure---the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to supply the body, leading to the need for an aortic valve replacement.
Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
An ascending aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak part of the ascending aorta---the portion closest to the heart---enlarges. Although many aortic aneurysms remain undetected, an ascending aortic aneurysm can cause the aortic valve to dilate, therefore allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle, as described by St. Luke's Roosevelt Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. This can cause symptoms including shortness of breath and chest pain and can lead to heart failure ,therefore requiring an aortic valve replacement.
Aortic Dissection
An aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the artery wall tears open, according to the American Heart Association. This most commonly occurs in the ascending aorta because the proximity to the heart causes increased pressure on the aorta. An aortic dissection causes sudden and severe chest pain and usually requires immediate medical attention. The tear in the lining can continue to split and when it moves toward the heart can damage the aortic valve, causing the need for an aortic valve replacement.
