•  
  •  

Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Picture of normal aortic valve and aortic valve regurgitation

In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close completely. The valve lets blood leak back (regurgitate) into the heart.

In a normal heart, the aortic valve opens to let oxygen-rich blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The aortic valve closes completely when the heart rests between beats. The closed valve stops blood from flowing backward into the heart. But in aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close completely. So with each heartbeat some of the blood pumped into the aorta leaks back into the left ventricle.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Revised November 2, 2011

Last Revised: November 2, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.