Cause: Heart conditions
Aortic valve insufficiency can be caused by various heart-related conditions. One of the causes is congenital valve problems, such as a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), where the affected valve only has two cusps instead of the usual three. Another cause is diseases like endocarditis, which specifically target and weaken the heart valves. Aging can also contribute to heart problems that result in aortic regurgitation, including high blood pressure and aortic dissection, which is a small tear in the wall of the aorta. Additionally, valve regurgitation can occur as a result of trauma to the chest at any age.
Causes: Diseases and Disorders
Various diseases and disorders can have a weakening or negative impact on the aortic valve, in addition to conditions specific to the heart. Some of these include ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter syndrome, Marfan syndrome, syphilis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is worth noting that while rheumatic fever was once the primary cause of aortic valve insufficiency, it has become less common due to the effective treatment of strep infections with antibiotics.