Medications

Treatment for chronic aortic valve regurgitation includes medicines to reduce blood pressure. If you have valve replacement surgery, you will need to take medicines to prevent infection and blood clots around the artificial valve.

Medicines to reduce blood pressure

If your regurgitation is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medicine such as:

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB).
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
• Calcium channel blockers.

Medicines for other problems

• Antiarrhythmic medicines help maintain a regular heart rhythm.
• Digoxin and diuretics help relieve symptoms of heart failure.
• Nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) relieve angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure.

Medicines after valve surgery

If you have valve replacement surgery, you may need:

• Anticoagulant medicine, (such as warfarin). Depending on the type of valve you receive, you may need to take this medicine for a few months after surgery or for the rest of your life.
• Antibiotics before you have certain dental or surgical procedures. The antibiotics help prevent an infection in your heart called endocarditis.