The doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history and provide a physical exam which includes listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Aortic valve regurgitation generally produces a heart murmur, which can mean that blood is leaking backward through the aortic valve. Upon this first examination, the doctor will decide what tests are needed to make a diagnosis. Some of the diagnostic tests may include:
The tests will help the doctor diagnose aortic valve regurgitation, determine the severity of regurgitation, and decide if the patient’s aortic valve needs repair or replacement.
