A person with aortic regurgitation has a leaky aortic valve.

A normal aortic valve allows blood to flow from the heart, into the aorta. The aortic valve 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 leaking valve requires the heart to work harder, in order to keep up with demand.