Dressagequeen,
Thanks for the post.
The valvular regurgitation is unlikely related to the blood pressure. Someitmes very high blood pressure can lead to increased leaking, but high blood pressure in and of itself will not lead to leaking without another underlying mechanism.
Many things can lead to a new diagnosis or worsening of hypertension: weight gain, stress, medications, and alcohol just to name a few. Essential hypertension is the most common reason for hypertesnion, but you are on the younger side of people with this diagnosis.
The chest pounding is called palpitation: it has numerous different causes. Talk to your doctor about establishing a diagnostic plan to determine what is causing the palpitations.
Hope that helps.