The evaluation of aortic regurgitation begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with aortic regurgitation include:

• Heart murmur
• Abnormal pulse

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of aortic regurgitation.

Tests for aortic regurgitation may include:

• Echocardiogram:
• Best test for making the diagnosis
• Chest x-ray:
• Normal chest x-ray
• Heart failure
• EKG
• Cardiac catheterization

Less commonly performed tests for aortic regurgitation:

• MRI scan of the heart:
• Shows detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
• Detects structural abnormalities of the heart
• SPECT scanning of the heart:
• Detects blood flow abnormalities to heart muscle
• Thallium heart scan
• Coronary artery CT scanning:
• Checks for possible obstructions in the coronary arteries
• Can show a build-up of calcium in a coronary artery
• MUGA scan