Dear Doctor: Question
What does it mean if you have a "leaky" heart valve? The doctor said I have a heart murmur due to a leaky valve.
Answer:
A "leaky valve" is a simple term for valvular insufficiency ( also called valvular regurgitation or valvular incompetence). It occurs when the leaflets of a valve do not close completely, letting blood leak backward across the valve. This backward flow is referred to as “regurgitant flow.”
A heart murmur is a swishing sound heard by the doctor or nurse with a stethoscope when they listen to your heart. It often results from abnormal blood flow due to abnormalities of a heart valve.
Once a doctor hears a murmur - additional studies, such as an echocardiogram, may be helpful to determine what valve is leaking and the severity of the leak
Treatment may range from "no treatment needed" to surgery.
More information:
Reviewed: 9/09