What is aortic regurgitation or insufficiency?
Aortic regurgitation or insufficiency is a condition whereby the aortic valve permits blood ejected from the left ventricle to leak back into the left ventricle. Aortic regurgitation is most often caused by damage to the aortic valve from a recent infection (e.g., dental abscess), dilation of the aorta, and rheumatic heart disease. Depending on the severity of the leakage, this situation can lead to progressive lung congestion and congestive heart failure. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, decreased exercise endurance, and swelling of the extremities.
