Aortic Regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation, also called aortic insufficiency, is the result of incomplete closure of the three aortic valve leaflets. Ordinarily, blood flows from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and out to the aorta, supplying blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. When the valve does not close all the way, blood can back up in the left ventricle, resulting in the enlargement of the ventricle and the aorta.