Aortic regurgitation

Symptoms

Mild aortic regurgitation may cause no symptoms. However symptoms may include

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Shortness of breath, especially with exercise or when you lie down

• Lightheadedness or fainting

• Swollen ankles (oedema)

Treatment

If the backflow of blood is mild then you may not need any treatment. If you develop complications, various medicines may be advised. Surgery may sometimes be advised.

Medication

Medication may be advised to help ease symptoms of heart failure if heart failure develops - for example, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or 'water' tablets (diuretics). See separate leaflet called Heart Failure for more details on treatment methods.

Surgery

Surgical options include repair of the aortic valve or replacement of the valve. The most recent guideline recommends replacement as the preferred option in most cases.

Valve replacement surgery may be with a mechanical or a tissue valve. Mechanical valves are made of materials which are not likely to react with your body, such as titanium. Tissue valves are made from treated animal tissue, such as valves from a pig. If you need surgery, a surgeon will advise on which is the best option for your situation.

Surgical treatment has greatly improved the outlook in most people with more severe regurgitation. The outlook (prognosis) is good if the valve is treated before the heart becomes badly damaged.

What is the outcome?

The outcome (prognosis) will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of aortic regurgitation. The outcome is generally poor if there is no treatment but is good with available modern treatments.