Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Chronic regurgitation

You may not have any symptoms for a long time. When symptoms do appear, it may mean that your heart is severely affected. See a picture of Reference aortic valve regurgitation Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.

There's no way to tell how quickly symptoms will develop. Some people stay free of symptoms for decades. For others, symptoms may develop over 2 to 3 years.

Symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Fainting (Reference syncope Opens New Window).
• Trouble breathing at night.
• Swelling in the legs and sometimes the rest of the body (edema).
• Awareness of the heartbeat (Reference palpitations Opens New Window), especially when lying on the left side.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Abnormal heartbeats (Reference arrhythmias Opens New Window).
• Chest pain or pressure (Reference angina Opens New Window), often brought on by exertion.

Acute regurgitation

These symptoms are sudden, often more intense, and life-threatening. Acute aortic valve regurgitation is an emergency.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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 Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.