A leaky heart valve is a common heart disease in which one of the four valves does not seal completely, causing blood to leak back into the heart. This is called valve regurgitation, and it can trigger complications. While individuals with little leakage may not require treatment, those with severe cases will need prompt care and medical intervention. Knowing the symptoms and making a thorough diagnosis can help determine the appropriate treatment for the condition.

Symptoms
Often, a leaky heart valve may not exhibit symptoms and go undiagnosed for years. That said, severe cases of a leaky heart valve may cause a host of issues, such as sudden coughing, chest pain or pressure, fatigue, and shortness of breath. One might also experience heart palpitations and swelling in the legs and feet. Speaking to a healthcare professional can help them identify if the symptoms are triggered by a leaky heart valve, as some may overlap with other conditions affecting the heart.

Treatment and management
Patients with this condition might experience different types of leaky heart valves: mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valve regurgitation. The treatment option will depend on the type diagnosed, and the goal will be to improve heart function and reduce symptoms.

1. Repair
A leaky heart valve repair may involve various procedures based on the cause of the leak. 

• Annuloplasty
  It is one of the top treatments for a leaky heart valve. The procedure can help strengthen or reshape the annulus, the ring surrounding a heart valve. During the procedure, a surgeon implants an annuloplasty ring made of metal, plastic, or mesh to support the valve. This ring helps the valve close more effectively and decreases the risk of blood flowing backward.
• Valvuloplasty
  It  is a non-surgical procedure to remedy the narrowing of a leaky valve. This often involves patching any holes in the valve, reconnecting valve leaflets that might have fused, reconnecting valve leaflets that may have started to separate from the rest of the valve, and removing any excess valve tissue to help the valve close more securely.
  Patients diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation may be asked to undergo a catheter procedure. In this procedure, the heart valve specialist attaches a clip to the valve to help it close more securely. This treatment is recommended for those with secondary mitral valve regurgitation who don’t show signs of improvement with other treatment options.

2. Replacement
Patients with severely damaged, leaky heart valves may have to get them replaced. In this procedure, a surgeon typically removes the non-functional valve and puts in a new one made from animal or human tissue. Valves made from pig and cow tissues are called xenografts, and those made from human heart tissues are called homografts or allografts. These can last between 10 and 15 years. A heart valve specialist may also recommend a synthetic valve, which can last longer. That said, patients might need additional treatment to prevent clots from forming on the valve.

• Ross procedure
  In this procedure, a damaged or diseased aortic valve is replaced with a pulmonary valve of similar shape. The patient gets a new pulmonary valve from a human donor.
  The Ross procedure is appropriate for children since the replacement valve grows and expands as they grow. A specialist will continually monitor the valve to ensure it still works effectively. If not, the patient might have to undergo another replacement.
• TAVR
  Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or  Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a modern, minimally invasive procedure that is sometimes a preferred option to open heart surgery, depending on one’s condition.   In this procedure, the surgeon guides a tube through an artery, blood vessels, or the collarbone to push the new valve into position.

3. Lifestyle changes
While one might  not be able  to prevent or completely treat a leaky heart, making  certain  lifestyle changes can help one manage the condition better.

• Patients should avoid oily or processed foods or sugary drinks and adopt a healthier, more wholesome food regimen. A nutritionist can chalk out a meal plan that includes heart-healthy foods.
• Those with a leaky heart valve should regularly exercise. Starting slow and working up to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week can help manage the condition. That said, it is vital to avoid exertion. One should also talk to a specialist about the kinds of exercises that are and are not beneficial.
• Individuals with a severe leaky heart should go for regular health checkups, as these are essential to avoiding sudden complications. Patients should seek help and reach out to their healthcare provider immediately if they notice unusual changes or frequent infections, like strep throat.

One should talk to their doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle, such as introducing or eliminating foods or trying a strenuous workout routine.