Aortic sclerosis

Aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> sclerosis means that this valve has lost its flexibility without necessarily having a reduced opening.

To understand this condition, it is important to understand how the heart and its valves function.

The Heart and its Valves

The heart, the motor of life, has 4 valves that ensure the passage in one direction of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood from one heart chamber to another, or in other words, without the possibility of returning to the previous cavity.

Two of these valves are called the tricuspid valves and the other two are named atrioventricular valves.

Tricuspides Valves

The tricuspid valves are the pulmonary valve, which separates the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> located between the left ventricle and the aorta.

The Aortic Valve

The aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> is composed of three very thin leaflets, ensuring great flexibility. They are shaped like ladles, which is why they are also referred to as cupules.

Each of these ladle-shaped structures is attached to the aortic annulus located at the base of the aorta. The rest of the leaflet is free and moves according to pressure variations on either side of the valve. Thus, the valve opens when the pressure inside the heart exceeds that in the aorta.

Opening and Closing the Aortic Valve

Each heartbeat represents a cycle that includes a phase of contraction and a phase of relaxation. When the heart relaxes, it fills with , and then during contraction, it ejects this into the aorta.

When the heart contracts, the thin, flexible leaflets of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> open widely, allowing bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood to be rapidly expelled into the aorta. Then, the heart relaxes for its resting period.

During this phase of cardiac relaxation, the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood that has been ejected into the aorta tries to flow back towards the ventricle due to the suction effect resulting from the relaxation of the heart returning to its initial shape.

This attempt to return to the left ventricle causes the cusps of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> to open. One could imagine this opening like that of inverted parachutes. Thus, the return of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood to the left ventricle is prevented.

Where does the loss of flexibility come from?

For a long time, it was believed that aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> sclerosis, characterized by a loss of flexibility or calcification of the valve, was mainly due to the mechanical stress exerted during each ventricular contraction.

Although this mechanical stress may play an important role in the aging process of the valve, it is now established that the biological phenomenon occurring at the level of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> bears strong similarities to that of atherosclerosis.

An Inflammatory Process Marks the Beginning.

The sclerosis process arises from the deposition of fat and subsequent biological reactions occurring at the valve’s leaflets.

These reactions trigger a series of inflammatory events, ultimately resulting in a loss of flexibility, thickening, and even calcification of the leaflets.

Possible Progression Towards Aortic Stenosis

This sclerotic process reduces the mobility of the leaflets, and as the disease progresses, it can lead to a narrowing of the orifice through which bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood is ejected. At this more advanced stage, the condition is referred to as aortic stenosis rather than sclerosis.

Risk Factors

The factors that contribute to the sclerosis of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> closely resemble those associated with coronary arteryThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that disease. These include age, male gender, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >>, and smoking, all of which are linked to aortic sclerosis.

Age stands out as the most significant risk factor, with aortic sclerosis affecting less than 10% of individuals under 60 years old and rising to 50% in those over 80.

Condition Without Symptom

Aortic sclerosis typically presents without symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during a routine medical examination.

The doctor may hear a murmur while auscultating the heart with a stethoscope, or it may be identified during an echocardiogram performed for another indication.

Follow Up

After diagnosing aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> sclerosis, current recommendations generally do not entail regular specific follow-up.

However, some healthcare professionals may opt to request an echocardiogram at a later time to monitor for any progression of this condition.

Pronostic

Although aortic sclerosis may not present any symptoms, it is essentially the same pathological phenomenon as aortic stenosis. Consequently, there is a risk of progression to this disease, estimated at about 2% annually.

It is important to emphasize that individuals with aortic sclerosis can lead normal lives and have an excellent prognosis.

Prevention: a Priority

It is essential to bear in mind that the process leading to sclerosis of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> resembles that of coronary arteryThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that disease. Therefore, adopting and implementing healthy lifestyle habits is crucial.

This entails adhering to a well-rounded and healthy diet, engaging in consistent physical activity, managing weight, quitting smoking, monitoring bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure and cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> levels, and effectively managing diabetes if it exists.

By embracing these preventive steps, one can potentially lower the chances of aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> sclerosis advancement, along with decreasing the likelihood of encountering other cardiovascular issues.