What is aortic valve regurgitation?

Aortic valve regurgitation is a problem with the aortic valve.

When you have aortic valve regurgitation, this valve doesn't close as it should. With each heartbeat, some of the blood leaks back (regurgitates) through the aortic valve into the left ventricle. The body doesn't get enough blood, so the heart has to work harder to make up for it.

You can have this problem for a long time and not know it. It may take years for symptoms to start. This is called chronic aortic valve regurgitation.

In rare cases, the valve problem starts suddenly and without warning. This is called acute aortic valve regurgitation. It requires medical help right away.

You may not have any symptoms for a long time. If symptoms do appear, it may mean that your heart is severely affected.

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially when you're active.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Fainting (syncope).
• Trouble breathing at night.
• Swelling in the legs and sometimes the rest of the body (edema).
• Awareness of the heartbeat, especially when lying down.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Abnormal heartbeats (palpitations).
• Chest pain or pressure (angina), often brought on by exertion.

The condition can also happen suddenly. This is known as acute aortic regurgitation. In this case, the symptoms are sudden, often more intense, and life-threatening. This is an emergency.

Your doctor will do a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and past health. You may have an electrocardiogram. Tests like an echocardiogram help confirm the diagnosis. Tests can show how much the valve is leaking and how well the left ventricle of your heart is working.

Your treatment will depend on how severe the regurgitation is and if you have symptoms.

In most people, aortic valve regurgitation starts slowly. Your doctor will probably recommend a heart-healthy lifestyle. This lifestyle means that you:

• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet.
• Be active. Ask your doctor what level and type of exercise is safe for you.
• Stay at a healthy weight, or lose weight if you need to.
• Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure.

Your doctor will see you regularly to check on your heart. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to lower blood pressure, relieve symptoms, or help your heart work better.

If long-term regurgitation is severe, if symptoms appear, or if your heart doesn't pump as well as it should, you may choose to have valve replacement surgery. You'll need surgery right away if the condition starts suddenly and is also severe.

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you're having a problem with your medicine.
• Call your doctor if you have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
• Be active. Ask your doctor what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Manage other health problems. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
• Take care of your teeth and gums. Get regular dental checkups. Good dental health is important because bacteria can spread from infected teeth and gums to the heart valves.