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 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.
Your heart has four valves that act like small doors.
Each valve opens to let blood move forward.
Each valve closes to keep blood from moving backward.
This one‑way flow helps blood move through the heart, to the lungs, and out to the body.
When valves open and close at the right time, your heart can pump blood efficiently.
When a valve doesn’t close all the way, some blood leaks backward instead of moving forward.
This means the heart has to work harder to move enough blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Over time, this extra strain can lead to symptoms like:
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.
Several factors can cause a heart valve to leak. These include:
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:
Treatment depends on how mild or severe the leaky heart valve is and how much it affects your daily life. Many people with a mild leaking heart valve only need regular checkups, healthy-heart habits and medications to ease strain on the heart.
If the valve leak becomes more serious, your doctor may recommend a procedure to repair the valve so it can close properly or replace it if the damage is too advanced. The goal is always the same — help your heart pump blood more efficiently so you can breathe easier and keep doing the activities you enjoy.
A leaky valve in the heart can develop slowly, and some people may notice only mild changes at first. Common symptoms include:
If symptoms begin to interfere with daily activities, it’s important to get evaluated.
You should seek medical attention right away if you experience:
These symptoms can signal that a leaky heart valve is getting worse or that your heart is working harder than usual. Early care can protect your heart and prevent complications.
To understand how well your heart valve is functioning, your provider may use tests such as:
These tools help your doctor create a personalized plan for monitoring or treating a leaking heart valve.
While not every valve problem can be prevented, simple habits can protect heart function and reduce strain:
Small steps today can help keep a leaky valve in the heart from worsening over time.
If your doctor recommends a procedure, the focus is on restoring healthy valve function. This may include:
After the procedure, your care team guides you through recovery, shows you how to protect your heart, and supports you as strength and comfort return.
