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Aortic Regurgitation or Insufficiency is a condition where the aortic valve leaks blood back into a relaxed left ventricle. As a result the left ventricle must work twice as heard to  pump not only the blood that normally enters from the left atrium but that blood which is leaking backwards.  As the left ventricle struggles to push blood through the leaky valve, not enough blood is pumped to  the reat of the body.Blood may back up into the left atrium and eventually into the lungs. Over time this enlarges the ventricle. The inability of the aortic valve to seal prperly can result from rheumatic  fever, conenital disorders (Marfan's, bicuspid valve), infrections (endocarditis), or be unknown.Common symptoms may no appear until the heart has been taxed to its limit. These symptoms may include:   

• shortness of breath   
• fatique   
• chest pain   
• swelling in ankles   
• fast heart rate

Medications can help prevent or minimize damage done to the heart include:   

• Digoxin which helps with contractions of the heart
• Diuretics helps relieve congestion
• Ace Inhibitors helps open arteries and reduces resistance of blood flow through those arteries. By doing this it lowers the workload on the heart.

While medication helps relieve many symptoms it is unknown if they change the course of aortic regurgitation. As the heart enlarges and starts losing function, surgery to replace the valve may be the only treatment.

Mitral Regurgitation is a condition which causes backflow of blood into the left atrium. This backflow can cause pressure to build in the lungs. Eventually,  this leads to heart  muscle enlargement. Backflow is a result of the valve leaflets inability to seal properly. This can be caused by Rheumatic fever, heart attack or injury from a bacterial infection (endocarditis). Symptoms can  include:    * shortness of breath    * palpitations    * rapid breathing    * coughing    * fatigueAntibiotics can be prescribed to help prevent future infections prior to general sugical or dental procedures.Medications can help minimize the symptoms. They include:    * Blood thinners to help minimize the formation of blood clots    * Digoxin which helps with the contractions of the heart    * Diuretics which help relieve congesgtion in the lungs    * Ace Inhibitors. These help open arteries and reduces the resistance of blood flow through those arteries. By doing this it lowers the workload on the heart.Heart valve replacement or repair may also be appropriate.Mitral Regurgitationis a condition which causes backflow of blood into the left atrium. This backflow can cause pressure to build in the lungs. Eventually,  this leads to heart  muscle enlargement. Backflow is a result of the valve leaflets inability to seal properly. This can be caused by Rheumatic fever, heart attack or injury from a bacterial infection (endocarditis). Symptoms can  include:    * shortness of breath    * palpitations    * rapid breathing    * coughing    * fatigueAntibiotics can be prescribed to help prevent future infections prior to general sugical or dental procedures.Medications can help minimize the symptoms. They include:    * Blood thinners to help minimize the formation of blood clots    * Digoxin which helps with the contractions of the heart    * Diuretics which help relieve congesgtion in the lungs    * Ace Inhibitors. These help open arteries and reduces the resistance of blood flow through those arteries. By doing this it lowers the workload on the heart.Heart valve replacement or repair may also be appropriate