Aortic regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation (AR), also known as aortic insufficiency (AI), is a condition that occurs when the heart's aortic valve doesn't close tightly. This allows some of the blood that was just pumped out of the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) to leak back into it.

Causes

The most common causes of aortic regurgitation are age-related changes to the heart, a congenital heart defect, and complications of a heart infection. Other causes can include rheumatic heart disease, endocarditis, and syphilis, although these are less common.

Symptoms

Symptoms of aortic regurgitation can vary widely, from none at all to severe. They can include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the ankles and feet.

Diagnosis

Aortic regurgitation is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, echocardiogram, and other imaging tests. The doctor may also order a cardiac catheterization to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for aortic regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. It can range from watchful waiting in mild cases to medication to surgery in more severe cases. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to the heart.

Prognosis

The prognosis for aortic regurgitation depends on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. With appropriate treatment, most people with aortic regurgitation can lead a normal life.

See also

• Aortic stenosis
• Heart valve disease
• Mitral regurgitation