Prevention

If you have any type of heart condition, see your doctor regularly so he or she can monitor you. If you have a parent, child, brother or sister with bicuspid aortic valve, you should have an echocardiogram to check for aortic valve regurgitation. Catching aortic valve regurgitation or another heart condition before it develops or in the early stages may make it more easily treatable.

Also, take steps to prevent conditions that can raise your risk of aortic valve regurgitation, including:

• Rheumatic fever. If you have a severe sore throat, see a doctor. Untreated strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever. Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics.
• High blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly. Make sure it's well controlled to prevent aortic regurgitation.