What Does a Leaking Heart Valve Mean?

A condition that may be present at birth or develop over time, a "leaking heart valve" is a casual term that describes regurgitation, one of the two major disorders that comprise heart valve disease.

Identification

• Heart valve disease is a condition in which one or more heart valves do not work properly, according to the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Each valve has a set of flaps meant to open or close completely with each heartbeat.

Types

• Of the four heart chambers and valves, the mitral and aortic valves are the most commonly affected because of their location. These areas on the left side of the heart undergo a greater workload than the right side.

Effects

• A leaking heart valve refers to the medical condition known as "regurgitation." "A valve also may not be able to close completely," says the American Heart Association. "This leads to regurgitation (blood leaking back through the valve when it should be closed)." Alternately, stenosis describes a narrowing of the heart valve, resulting in an inability of the valve flap to open fully.

Symptoms

• Symptoms develop as the amount of leakage through the valve increases. "These include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting spells," according to the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Warning

• A leaking heart valve left untreated typically results in a weakened and enlarged heart, and eventually congestive heart failure. Surgical valve repair or replacement will be necessary to avoid the risk for fatality.