Aortic Regurgitation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Aortic Regurgitation?
A cardiologist, a heart doctor, treats aortic regurgitation. A heart surgeon does valve repair or replacement when needed. A primary care doctor often spots the first signs. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is aortic regurgitation?
Aortic regurgitation, also called aortic insufficiency, is a heart valve disease. The aortic valve does not close tightly. Blood then flows backward from the aorta, the largest blood vessel, into the left ventricle. The left ventricle is a lower pumping chamber of the heart.
When a lot of blood flows back, the heart must work harder. The left ventricle widens over time. The heart then becomes less able to supply enough blood to the body.
Symptoms
This condition often has no symptoms for many years. Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly. They may include:
- A bounding pulse. That is a very forceful heartbeat.
- Short of breath with activity or when lying down.
- Feeling tired. Weakness that is more likely to occur with activity.
- Palpitations. That is the feeling of your own heart beating.
- Chest pain like angina (rare). Fainting can also happen.
- Swelling of the feet, legs, or belly. Some people wake up short of breath.
Causes and who gets it
Anything that keeps the aortic valve from closing fully can cause it. In the past, rheumatic fever was the main cause. Strep infections that are not treated can trigger rheumatic fever. Antibiotics to treat strep infections have made rheumatic fever less common.
Today other causes are more common. They include endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves. Birth valve problems also cause it, such as a bicuspid aortic valve, which forms with two flaps instead of three. Other causes are high blood pressure, aortic dissection, Marfan syndrome, chest trauma, and some other conditions. Aortic insufficiency is most common in men between the ages of 40 and 60.
How doctors diagnose it
The doctor listens for a heart murmur with a stethoscope. One test is an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. Other tests include an MRI or CT scan of the heart, aortic angiography, and left heart catheterization. A chest x-ray may show swelling of the left lower heart chamber.
Treatment
You may not need treatment if you have no symptoms or only mild ones. But you will need regular exams and echocardiograms to watch the valve. Diuretics, or water pills, may be prescribed for heart failure symptoms.
Surgery to repair or replace the aortic valve corrects it. The choice depends on your symptoms and how your heart works. There is growing interest in placing a replacement valve through a catheter. A catheter is a thin tube. This option may become more common in the future.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of aortic regurgitation. If you already have it, contact your provider when symptoms get worse or new ones appear. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting. Swelling of the feet, legs, or belly is also a warning sign, so call your provider right away. People with chest pain or heart failure from this condition do poorly without treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do the first evaluation and refer you to a cardiologist. They can also track your valve health over time with regular visits.
Common questions
Can aortic regurgitation be prevented?
Not every case. But blood pressure control is very important if you are at risk. Treating strep throat with all the prescribed medicine helps prevent rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage heart valves. Good skin and dental hygiene help prevent endocarditis.
Can it be cured?
Surgery can cure aortic insufficiency and relieve symptoms. That is true unless heart failure or other problems develop. Regular monitoring matters.
What problems can it cause?
Complications may include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and infection in the heart. Severe untreated disease makes it hard for the heart to supply blood to the body.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
It depends, but antibiotics are now used much less often for this. In the past, most people with heart valve problems took antibiotics before dental work or invasive procedures. Ask your doctor what applies to you.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Aortic regurgitation: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Heart Valve Diseases: Types
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Heart Valve Diseases: Causes and Risk Factors
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
