Leaky heart valve

I am a 28 year old, in fairly good health, my LDL is only 33 and my blood pressure is 100/70.  I had been having chest pains for about 6 years, off and on.  I would notice it a few days then I wouldn't for about 5 or 6 months, then notice it again for a few days.  I went to the doctor recently, and they did an EKG (which turned up fine), so he refered me to a cardiologist.  The cardiologist did a sonogram of my heart and said that I had a "slightly leaky heart valve."  He said itwas nothing life threatening, nothing that required surgery, and I could continue doing what I do (running, working out, etc.)  He perscribed me Atenolol to help with the slight discomfort I had been feeling in my chest and said to come back in 3 weeks.  Im a little confused on how you can have a slightly leaky heart valve and it not be serious or require a need to be fixed.  Is there any kind of leak that really of no concern?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks

[Annette Quick, M.D.]

It is a common problem to have a small amount of leaking of 1 or more heart valves. As tests to evaluate the heart have improved smaller amount of leakage has been detected. It usually requires no intervention. Occasionally with aging this may change.