What is a Leaky Heart Valve?

A leaky heart is a condition when one of the heart’s valves does not fully close and seal.

It is also commonly called:

• Heart valve regurgitation.
• Heart valve insufficiency.
• Heart valve incompetence.

Heart valves act like gates that open and close with each heartbeat. They ensure that blood flows in only one direction, preventing it from flowing backward. This flow is essential for maintaining proper circulation throughout the body.

When these “gates” do not close all the way, you have a leaky valve.

What is a Leaky Heart Valve?

A leaky heart can occur in one of the four valves.

To explain a leaky valve, it’s important to understand generally how they occur and why.

The heart has four chambers.

The two upper chambers called the atria collect blood returning to the heart.

It also has two lower chambers called the ventricles. These pump blood out to the body.

Heart valves are like one-way gates located between these chambers and at the exits of the heart.

When the heart muscle relaxes, the valves between the upper and lower chambers, or the atria and ventricles, open and allow blood to flow into the ventricles.

Then, when the heart muscle squeezes, these valves close, and different valves open to let blood flow out of the ventricles to the body and lungs.

The valves between the upper and lower chambers must close completely to prevent blood from flowing backward.

When you have a leaky valve, the valves between the upper and lower chambers do not close. This causes blood to backflow into the upper chambers of the heart.  

Types of Leaky Heart Valves

A leaky heart valve can occur in any of the four heart valves:

Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
The mitral valve controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle. When this valve leaks, blood flows backward into the left atrium.

Aortic Valve Regurgitation:
The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta (the main artery that carries blood to the body). When this valve leaks, blood flows back into the left ventricle.

Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation:
The tricuspid valve controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle. When this valve leaks, blood flows backward into the right atrium.

Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation:
The pulmonary valve controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (which carries blood to the lungs). When this valve leaks, blood flows back into the right ventricle.

Each type of leaky valve can have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The severity of the leak can also vary, from mild to severe.

What does a leaky heart valve feel like?

• Chest pain or pressure.
• Coughing.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Heart palpitations.
• Shortness of breath during physical activity.
• Swelling (edema) in your legs and feet.

Causes of Leaky Heart Valves

Several factors can cause a heart valve to leak. These include:

• Age-related wear and tear.
• Trauma.
• Infections.
• Rheumatic heart disease.
• Heart conditions.

Risks of Leaky Valves

The severity of your risk depends on which valve is leaking, how much it's leaking, and your overall health.

This can lead to several problems:

• Reduced Efficiency: The heart must work harder to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, which can strain the heart muscle over time.
• Heart Enlargement: The heart chambers may enlarge as they try to accommodate the extra blood.
• Heart Failure: If left untreated, a leaky valve can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
• Arrhythmias: Leaky valves can disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to irregular heartbeats.
• Other Complications: Leaky valves can also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.