Heart Valve Regurgitation
Quick Facts
- Heart valve regurgitation is when a valve doesn’t fully seal and lets blood move in the wrong direction.
- It may begin suddenly or progress slowly.
- Some people don’t need treatment. More serious cases may require a valve repair or replacement.
What is heart valve regurgitation?
Heart valve regurgitation is when a heart valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.
The condition can be mild and may not need treatment. In more serious cases, the leak can strain the heart and reduce the amount of blood it pumps to the body.
Regurgitation happens when:
- Blood flows backward across the valve as it closes, or
- The valve leaflets do not close properly and allow blood to leak through
Over time, this extra workload can make the heart work harder to pump enough blood.
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How does heart valve regurgitation develop?
Heart valve regurgitation can start suddenly or develop slowly over many years.
Types of regurgitation:
- Mitral valve regurgitation is when blood leaks backward through the mitral valve each time the left ventricle contracts. It’s often caused by conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease or an enlarged left ventricle.
- Aortic valve regurgitation may develop due to age-related changes, valve disease, prior infection or other conditions that affect the aorta or valve.
- Pulmonary (pulmonic) regurgitation usually happens as a result of another condition, such as pulmonary hypertension.
- Tricuspid regurgitation is most often caused by enlargement of the right ventricle. It can also be linked to other heart conditions, including problems with left-sided valves.
What is the treatment for heart valve regurgitation?
Treatment for heart valve regurgitation depends on how severe the condition is.
Mild cases may not need treatment. In more serious cases, treatment may include surgery to:
