Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Aortic valve regurgitation is a condition in which the heart's aortic valve does not close properly. This allows blood to leak backwards from the aorta into the left ventricle. This condition can be caused by several things, and over time may lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart failure, and fainting. The treatment for aortic regurgitation depends on how severe it is and the patient's overall health.

 
 

An Overview of Aortic Valve Regurgitation

The valves of the heart are like doors that open and close. They open to allow blood to flow into the next chamber of the heart or into one of the arteries, and then they shut to keep blood from flowing backwards.
 
The aortic valve is on the left side of the heart, between the left ventricle and the entrance to the aorta (the artery that carries blood to the body). The aortic valve opens when the left ventricle contracts, allowing blood to flow into the aorta. It then closes to prevent blood from coming back into the left ventricle.
 
In aortic valve regurgitation (also known as aortic incompetence or aortic insufficiency), the aortic valve does not close properly. Because of this, blood can leak back into the left ventricle instead of getting pumped to the rest of the body. The heart has to work harder to pump the extra blood, and over time, the left ventricle becomes larger as a result. As the left ventricle thickens, it becomes less effective at pumping blood through the aortic valve.
 

Causes of Aortic Valve Regurgitation

The most common cause of aortic valve regurgitation is rheumatic fever. Aortic valve regurgitation often occurs with mitral valve problems like mitral regurgitation, which are also associated with rheumatic fever. Aortic valve regurgitation can also be caused by:
 
  • Condition people are born with (congenital defects)
  • Endocarditis
  • Trauma
  • Lupus
  • Other rheumatic diseases.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD