Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
aortic regurgitation
Backward flow through the aortic valve during diastole causing left ventricular volume overload.
Full Definition
A valvular heart disease where the aortic valve fails to close completely during diastole, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This creates volume overload of the left ventricle, which initially compensates through dilation and hypertrophy. Chronic severe aortic regurgitation can lead to left heart failure and requires surgical valve repair or replacement. The condition may be acute (due to endocarditis or aortic dissection) or chronic (due to bicuspid valve, rheumatic disease, or degenerative changes).
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as AR; distinguish acute from chronic presentations with different urgency.
In Context
- "Severe aortic regurgitation necessitated mechanical valve replacement." — operative indication
- "The patient developed acute aortic regurgitation secondary to endocarditis." — emergency consultation
Also known as
AR
aortic insufficiency
Contrasted with
aortic stenosis
Don't confuse with
aortic stenosis
mitral regurgitation