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

NorthShore University HealthSystem states:

In most cases, it takes many years for symptoms to start. This is called chronic aortic valve regurgitation. The heart makes up for reduced blood flow by getting bigger so that it can pump out more blood. But if the valve problem is not fixed and the leaking gets worse, symptoms start. At this point, valve replacement surgery is often needed to prevent abnormal heartbeats, heart failure, and permanent damage to the heart.

Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue or weakness.
• Shortness of breath, most often when you are active.
• A fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• A feeling that your heart is pounding, racing, or beating unevenly (palpitations).
• Chest pain (angina), often brought on by exercise, when the heart has to work harder.
• Fainting.

For more information on aortic valve regurgitation, visit NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Cardiology department