Aortic annual calcification & mitral annular calcification

[dalycity]

I am a female, 57 yo, has an echocardiography report, with summary says: normal echocardio. However, there are 2 issues (i) there is aortic annular calcification; and (ii) there is mitral annular calcification.

Please explain what these 2 mean; and if there's anything treatment for them.  Thank you.

[dalycity]

Thank you very much for this info; and I will try very hard to stay healthy! Wishing you all the best!

[kenkeith]

Aortic valve is a one-way pass of blood from the left ventricle into circulation.  Annulus is ring of tissue that surrounds the opening (orifice) of the valve and leaflets close the opening to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricle.  Annular calcification indicates there is a buildup of plaque on the annulus and can prevent the leaflets from adequate sealing of the orifice and blood will flow back into the ventricle (regurgitation).  Also a narrow opening (stenoisis) causes intraheart pressures that can enlarge chambers and impede blood flow.

The mitral valve passes blood from the left upper chamber into the left ventricle to be pumped into circulation.  

It is not unusual for individuals over 40 (sometimes less) to have some calcification of the valves and the vessels.  It is not serious unless there is a progression to severe stenosis or regurgitation.  The treatment would be a diet, exercise, medication to help control lipids to normal levels.  

Normal echo indicates there is not a current problem with the valves, and it may not progress to anything serious.