HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Exams and Tests
Tests for aortic valve regurgitation can assess how severe the regurgitation is and whether you have any complications, such as Reference abnormal heartbeats Opens New Window (arrhythmias) or Reference heart failure Opens New Window.
Aortic valve regurgitation can typically be diagnosed by physical exam. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, pulse, and listen for abnormal sounds in your heart and lungs.
Other tests may include:
- Reference Echocardiogram (echo). Echocardiography (echo) can be used to look at the heart valves and the shape of the leaflets and to see whether the valves are leaking.
- Reference Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG). This test checks for a problem with the rhythm of your heartbeat (arrhythmia).
- Reference Chest X-ray. This test can show if the lower left ventricle is enlarged.
- Reference Exercise electrocardiogram. This test may be done to see how the heart responds to exercise.
- Reference Cardiac catheterization. This test can help your doctor find out how much the aortic valve is leaking and check the health of your coronary arteries.
- Reference Cardiac pool scan. This test measures how well the left ventricle is pumping and how much blood is pumped out of the chamber with each heartbeat.
| Severity of aortic valve regurgitation | How often you should have an echocardiogram |
|---|---|
|
Mild |
Every 2 to 3 years |
|
Moderate |
Every year |
|
Severe |
Every 4 to 6 months |
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