What is aortic regurgitation?
The aortic valve is located between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta. Regurgitation occurs when the valve doesn't close properly and blood is able to leak backward through it. When this takes place, the left ventricle is forced to pump more blood than normal, and will gradually enlarge as a result of the extra workload.

What are the symptoms of aortic regurgitation?
Cases of aortic regurgitation can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary from person to person. As the condition progresses and worsens, the symptoms will appear and worsen too. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, edema (retention of fluid), abnormal heartbeat, and chest pain.

What causes aortic regurgitation?
Many things can cause aortic regurgitation. It could be a result of a bicuspid aortic valve, which is a deformity existing a birth where the valve has two cusps instead of three. Aortic regurgitation can also occur because of infections of the heart such as rheumatic fever or infective endocarditis. Diseases like Marfan syndrome and high blood pressure cause the aortic root to widen, which can also lead to aortic regurgitation. 

What do I do about aortic regurgitation?
 If you have mild aortic regurgitation with little to no symptoms, you need to see your doctor regularly. As your conditions worsen , you may be put on medications to regulate heart rhythm, get rid of fluids to control edema, and/or help the left ventricular pump. If your condition is severe, you may require surgery to replace the old, diseased valve with an artificial one.