Aortic Valve Disease
The aorta is the main artery carrying blood out of the heart. A normal
aortic valve opens during contraction of the heart and closes during the
relaxation period. This ensures that blood flows efficiently throughout
the body and does not back into the heart. However, if the valve leaks
when it should be closed (aortic regurgitation), or if the valve becomes
narrowed and obstructed (aortic stenosis), the amount of blood that can
be pumped from the heart to the body is compromised and can lead to enlargement
of the heart. Some patients may remain asymptomatic, while others may
experience a wide range of symptoms.
Hoag’s Top Rated Valvular Heart Disease Program
Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center is one of a handful of clinics nationwide dedicated to state-of-the-art
screening, diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease. Learn more
about Hoag’s top rated valvular heart disease program: