HomeAnswersCardiologyaortic valve regurgitationFor aortic regurgitation, is follow-up needed if no changes are seen in three consecutive ECGs?

Can I stop follow-up for aortic regurgitation if there are no symptoms?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 14, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a query for a cardiologist. It is about trace aortic regurgitation. I was found to have this 14 years back. I followed up around 11, 8, and 5 years back, but no changes were noted. I was advised for further follow-up. Is it fine?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query. Trace AR (aortic regurgitation) is of no significance. No need to repeat echocardiography in less than 5 years. Keep a control of your blood pressure. The rest of the aortic valve structure is normal, so future progression is very less likely. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I made a mistake in my original question. What I meant to write was: "I was advised like no need for further follow-up." In other words, no need to repeat ultrasounds every five years because the regurgitation is so trivial, and there was no progression over the nine years I was checked. So do I want to check, or is it fine not to have further scans in the future? Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, no need to repeat. If you have symptoms of palpitations, shortness of breath, or excessive tierdness upon ordinary activities or slight exertion, then have a visit to a cardiologist. He will examine your pulse, blood pressure and auscultate your heart for murmurs. If found, then echocardiography should be repeated, otherwise no need. No need for routine five-yearly repeat echocardiography. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I occasionally have extra-systoles, but I have had these 19 years back during the normal echocardiography. Is it fine not to recheck? Is that vena contract of 2 to 3 mm not worrying? I read that 6 mm with the aortic valve counts as severe? I know regurgitation in the other valves is insignificant but is that true for the aortic valve too? Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are two conditions in which AR can occur. The aortic valve itself is abnormal due to congenital abnormalities, old age-related degeneration, excessive calcium deposition, or infection of the valve called infective endocarditis. Normal valve but dilated aortic root also occurs due to congenital issues or non-cardiac causes that affect the aortic root, most common of which are connective tissue diseases or ankylosing spondylitis (do not worry about medical terminology). You do not have any of these, so progression to mild or moderate AR is extremely unlikely. Prevention: Try to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some extrasystoles are a normal occurrence in healthy people. Yes, this is insignificant even for the aortic valve. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reassurance. Finally, can I check? Did you see my report? It says that the cause of my AR is a slightly asymmetrical valve with a hardening of the margins. Is it still fine? Some centers say that I should follow up every five years but really no need in my case. And does this also mean no need for antibiotic prophylaxis with dental extractions or major surgery? Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the follow-up. Guidelines say that follow-up for five-yearly in case of mild AR. But your condition is less than that. If symptoms develop at any time, then you have to have follow-up echocardiography. There is no need for antibiotic prophylaxis in case of dental procedures or surgery. Antibiotic prophylaxis is needed in some specific cardiac lesions and no need in AR as per American and European guidelines. Hardening of margins is of no significance. Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid function (in case you have thyroid issues). I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Can you kindly confirm that you saw my attached report with the measurements and ultrasound images? And are you still happy with my reports? Those reports were taken eight years back and are unchanged from the other reports taken 14 and 11 years back. I do not have the report taken five years back and the doctor just said it was trivial and no need to worry. Please answer.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I have seen your report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The echocardiography report is fine. There is also an ECG (electrocardiography) report which is normal too. If the last echocardiography was done five years back and it had trivial AR, with no symptoms right now, no need to repeat. I hope this helps. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy