Key aortic valve regurgitation symptoms
Here is a chart of the main symptoms that may develop in severe aortic valve regurgitation.
Symptoms of severe aortic valve regurgitation Symptom Medical term Cause Chest pain Angina The increased demands on the heart allow less oxygen to reach and nourish the heart muscle. Fatigue or weakness Little by little, the heart is able to pump less blood; low output means a reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the rest of the body. Shortness of breath Dyspnea The diminished oxygen supply to the heart that causes angina is also responsible for shortness of breath. There are two main kinds of shortness of breath:
- Orthopnea: Shortness of breath while lying flat
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea: Sudden episodes of shortness of breath when lying flat in bed at night
Fainting or blacking out Syncope The reduced cardiac output contributes to a reduced oxygen supply to all parts of the body, including the brain. This may result in fleeting lapses in consciousness.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: January 24, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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