The aortic valve functions as a ‘one-way’ valve allowing blood to be ejected from the left ventricle to the aorta. Aortic regurgitation is the backwards ‘leak’ of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle.

Commonly, a small amount (trivial) of aortic regurgitation can be detected via echocardiography. However, with advancing age, hypertension or other conditions (such as valve infection) – the degree of aortic regurgitation can range from mild to severe

Progressive exertional breathlessness is the most common symptom. When the heart is unable to cope with amount of aortic regurgitation, or if it occurs very quickly patients may experience ankle swelling and breathlessness when laying flat (orthopnoea).

• Like aortic stenosis, severe regurgitation is a ‘mechanical’ problem, that in most cases requires a ‘mechanical’ solution.
• Mild or moderate degrees of regurgitation don’t generally require intervention. Instead, medications to reduce blood pressure are often used to slow the progression.
• Severe regurgitation requires valve replacement surgery if the patient is considered ‘fit’ enough. Generally speaking, transcatheter aortic valve replacement is not indicated / suitable in pure aortic regurgitation due the absence of calcium to anchor the device.