Aortic regurgitation means the aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, so blood leaks backward into the heart. The heart compensates by pumping harder, but over time the extra workload shows up in everyday activities.

Pounding pulse is the first clue. You feel your heart beat in your neck, head, or even your ears when you lie down.

Fatigue creeps in. Legs feel heavy, and you need to rest after light chores that used to be easy.

Shortness of breath appears with activity. You can’t finish a sentence while walking or have to pause on stairs.

Night-time cough or wheezing shows up. Fluid backs up into the lungs, so you wake up gasping or need extra pillows to breathe.

Visible neck pulse throbs. The carotid artery bobs in the neck even when you’re sitting still.

Late signs include ankle swelling, chest pain, or a forceful heart beat you can see through the chest wall—an alarm that the heart is working too hard.