The doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history and provide a physical exam which includes listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Aortic valve regurgitation generally produces a heart murmur, which can mean that blood is leaking backward through the aortic valve. Upon this first examination, the doctor will decide what tests are needed to make a diagnosis. Some of the diagnostic tests may include:

• Echocardiogram (Echo)
• Exercise tests
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray 
• Cardiac catheterization (Coronary angiogram)

The tests will help the doctor diagnose aortic valve regurgitation, determine the severity of the condition, and decide if the patient’s aortic valve needs repair or replacement.