Aortic Regurgitationheart valves with labels

Aortic regurgitation is leakage of the blood from the aorta, back through the aortic valve, into the left ventricle.  A valve may lose its shape, become overstretched, or lose the ability to close completely. Blood then leads back into the chamber from which it was pumped (regurgitation). The extra blood will eventually cause the overloaded chamber to stretch and enlarge.

Causes:

  • Rheumatic Heart Disease (secondary to rheumatic fever)
  • Congenital Defects (bicuspid valve): found in up to 2% of the general population. One of the most common defects is a bicuspid valve.  Anatomically correct valves have three flaps or leaflets but a bicuspid valve only has two flaps.
  • Aging of the valve.  Age related wear and tear may result in regurgitation.