valvular regurgitation
Backward flow of blood through a heart valve due to incomplete valve closure, also called valve insufficiency.
Full Definition
Valvular regurgitation, also termed valvular insufficiency, occurs when a heart valve fails to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward across the valve during the cardiac cycle. This condition can affect any of the four heart valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary) and ranges from trace to severe in severity. Chronic regurgitation leads to volume overload of the affected cardiac chambers, potentially causing chamber dilation and heart failure over time. Assessment involves echocardiographic grading of severity, evaluation of symptoms, and monitoring for complications requiring surgical intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Specify affected valve and severity grade (trace, mild, moderate, severe) in documentation.
In Context
- "Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with left atrial enlargement and elevated pulmonary pressures." — Cardiology consultation
- "The patient developed acute aortic regurgitation secondary to infective endocarditis requiring urgent surgical evaluation." — Inpatient cardiology note