Symptoms

Chronic regurgitation

You may not have any symptoms for a long time. When symptoms do appear, it may mean that your heart is severely affected. See a picture of aortic valve regurgitation.

There's no way to tell how quickly symptoms will develop. Some people stay free of symptoms for decades. For others, symptoms may develop over 2 to 3 years.

Symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Fainting (syncope).
• Trouble breathing at night.
• Swelling in the legs and sometimes the rest of the body (edema).
• Awareness of the heartbeat (palpitations), especially when lying on the left side.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias).
• Chest pain or pressure (angina), often brought on by exertion.

Acute regurgitation

These symptoms are sudden, often more intense, and life-threatening. Acute aortic valve regurgitation is an emergency.