Aortic regurgitation

Question 1

How to define it?

Answer 1

Inability of the aortic valve to closed open during ventricular contraction- causes blood refill in to the aorta

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

Dilation of AORTA:
Leaflets are pulled apart
In 50% of cases is idiopathic

Valvular damage:
Infective endocarditis 
Chronic Rheumatic fever 
Increase fibrosis
No tight seal

Bicuspid aortic valve
Myxomatous degeneration- degeneration of connective tissue

Question 3

How does it develop

Answer 3

LV has to deal with stroke volume as well as stroke volume 
Increases LV EDV and systolic pressure
LV hypertrophy and dilation
Increased MV 02
Myocardial ischaemia
LV failure

Question 4

investigations

Answer 4

ECG: ST/T changes
CXR: Cardiomegaly in chronic Aortic regurgitation
Cardiac catetherisation

Question 5

signs

Answer 5

Examination
Collapsing pulse
Apex beat: displaced, hyper dynamic
Increased pulse pressure

Decrescendo murmur as blood flows back into ventricles

Question 6

symptoms

Answer 6

SOB on exertion
Head bobbing
Capillary beds of fingernails pulsate

Question 7

What happens during systole

Answer 7

Blood in LV increases
Stroke volume increases
More pressure
Higher systolic

Question 8

What happens during diastole

Answer 8

Less blood pumped into aorta

Decreased diastolic

Question 9

What causes head bopping?

Answer 9

As systolic increases and diastolic decreases pulse pressure increases
Hyper dynamic circulation
blood slams against vessels
Can cause head bobbing
And capillary beds of fingernails pulsate