Monitoring Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Topic Overview

The three factors that will be monitored to determine whether your aortic valve regurgitation is worsening are:

  • Your ejection fraction, the amount of blood that is leaving your left ventricle.
  • The size of your left ventricle and whether it is getting bigger.
  • Whether you have any symptoms.

A declining ejection fraction, an increasing diameter of your left ventricle, and the appearance of symptoms indicate decreasing heart function and worsening regurgitation.

To monitor these factors, your doctor will perform periodic echocardiograms. How often you have echocardiograms will depend on the severity of your regurgitation, or whether you develop symptoms. Mild regurgitation requires an echocardiogram every 2 to 3 years, a moderate condition requires an echo every year, and with severe regurgitation you may have to have an echo every 4 to 6 months.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerGeorge Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Last RevisedJanuary 7, 2010
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 7, 2010
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
George Philippides, MD - Cardiology

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