What is aortic regurgitation?
A person with aortic regurgitation has a leaky aortic valve. A normal aortic valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle of the heart, into the aorta. The aortic valve normally closes to prevent the backflow of blood from the aorta into the heart. Aortic regurgitation results when the aortic valve does not completely close, due to scarring, thickening, or malformation of the valve. The resulting leaking aortic valve causes the heart to work harder to keep up with demand. The most common cause of aortic regurgitation is rheumatic heart disease.

What are the symptoms of aortic regurgitation?
Early symptoms of aortic regurgitation include shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, and rapid pulse. Later symptoms include chest pain, excessive sweating, and leg swelling.

How does the doctor treat aortic regurgitation?
Treatment for aortic regurgitation includes medications to control symptoms and heart surgery to replace the aortic valve