Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Healthcare providers diagnose aortic valve regurgitation through a physical exam and testing.

During a physical exam, your provider:

Talks to you about your medical history
Checks your vital signs, like your blood pressure — with that, they can find your pulse pressure (top minus bottom number)
Uses a stethoscope to listen to your heart (auscultation) and check for an aortic regurgitation murmur (the quick, backward flow of blood into your left ventricle causes this sound)

A wide pulse pressure (40+ mmHg) could mean a leaky aortic valve.

What tests will be done to diagnose aortic regurgitation?

An echocardiogram (echo) is the gold standard for diagnosing aortic regurgitation. This test uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart. Your provider can use different techniques, like Doppler ultrasound, to check your valve function. Doppler ultrasound shows the speed and direction of blood flow through your heart.

Other tests you may need to diagnose aortic regurgitation or plan treatment include:

Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Heart MRI
Coronary angiogram
Cardiac CT
Exercise stress test

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.