Aortic Regurgitation Aortic regurgitation is a disease that affects the aortic valve, one of four valves within the heart. The aortic valve is the last valve blood passes through as it exits the heart to the body. Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly, causing it to leak, allowing a certain percentage of blood to move back into the heart. Therefore, the left ventricle must pump more blood than usual and gradually enlarges because of the extra workload.

Aortic Valve Stenosis  Aortic valve stenosis or aortic stenosis is a disease that affects the aortic valve, which is one of four valves within the heart. Usually, the valves help pump blood through the heart via tissue leaflets that open and close with each heartbeat. The leaflets make sure blood flows in the right direction through the heart’s four chambers and the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve's leaflets stiffen and cannot open or close completely.

Our Structural Heart/Valve Disease Team at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is composed of a highly experienced team dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for people suffering from aortic stenosis.  Call 703-776-3135 or complete our form to consult a Structural Heart/Valve Disease physician who can perform aortic valve repair and replacement procedures.

Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis, sometimes referred to as hardening of the arteries, is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue accumulate to form a fatty deposit or plaque that clogs the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis results in diminished blood flow to an affected organ. If you smoke or have diabetes, you have an especially high risk for atherosclerosis and developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Other risk factors include high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.

Balloon Valvuloplasty Balloon valvuloplasty (also known as percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty) is a treatment that widens a stiff or narrowed heart valve. An interventional cardiologist guides a catheter through the heart and positions it through the diseased heart valve. Balloons on the catheter inflate, enlarging the valve opening and improving blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. This allows the heart to pump more effectively and reduces painful pressure in the heart and lungs.

Blood Clots Blood clotting is a normal process that occurs in the body to prevent bleeding. The body makes blood clots and then breaks them down. Under certain circumstances, the body may be unable to break down a clot, which may result in a serious health condition. Abnormal blood clotting in the veins is related to a combination of several problems such as "sluggish" blood flow through the veins, an abnormality in clot forming factors or an injury to the blood vessel wall. Blood clots can form in arteries or veins. Clots formed in veins are called venous clots.

Bypass Surgery A bypass is a rerouting of the circulation around an area that is blocked, usually by arterial plaque. Arterial plaque may also be referred to as atherosclerotic plaque. Most Americans are familiar with coronary coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, which uses small veins or arteries to get blood around blocked arteries in the heart to improve blood flow. Arterial bypass surgery uses the same principles.

Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest is an emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. People who suffer cardiac arrest lose consciousness and stop breathing because of a lack of blood flow to the entire body. Without an effective heartbeat or blood pressure, the brain and other vital organs are deprived of blood, leading to death within minutes. Cardiac arrest requires immediate, advanced medical attention for a chance of survival. Risk Factors Expand Content Several factors can increase the risk for developing heart rhythm problems that can trigger cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Catheterization Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by advancing a tiny hollow tube, or catheter, from a blood vessel in the groin or arm through the aorta and into the heart.  Once the catheter is in place, our interventional cardiologists can use it for several diagnostic techniques, such as measuring the pressures in the chambers. In addition, the catheter can be advanced into the coronary arteries and a contrast dye injected into the arteries.

Cardiogenic Shock Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It typically happens after a sudden cardiac event such as a heart attack or decline in cardiac function (such as acute or worsening heart failure). When cardiogenic shock occurs, blood pressure becomes very low, signifying the heart’s inability to adequately pump blood in order to provide much-needed oxygen to vital organs. Cardiogenic shock can quickly progress to multi-organ failure and death.