Aortic Insufficiency

Could you please explain how, according to an echocardiogram, is aortic insufficiency classified.  How do you know, according to the classificiations, if you have mild, moderate, or severe regurgitation?  Is this classification the deciding factor regarding surgery, or could you have severe regurgitation and not require surgery for a number of years because your heart is still normal?  My regurg. is 3 to 4+.  Is that considered moderate?  My heart is presently normal and the surgeon and cardiologist said it could be years before I need surgery.  Could this be?

Also, if you develop other problems and require surgery, or chemo or radiation, how does your heart handle this if you have a severe leakage, or if you have a replacement valve? Can you make it through these situations?

Thank you for taking time to answer these questions.  This is a wonderful forum!

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

The classification of regurgitation for valve is from 0 to 4 with 0 being no regurgitation and 4 severe regurgitation.  3-4 is moderate to severe.  The timing of valve replacement is more of an art than a science and requires close follow-up and careful observation.  If other problems arise it places more stress on the heart and may precipitate heart failure if the strain is enough.