My mom just received a message from her doctor after she had an echo done, that there's a little leak in her aoritc? valve "but it should not be a problem" and she'd talk to her more about next time she is in.

Is this something I need to be worrying about? She said its okay, right? But it obviously can't be good. What does this mean? What can happen as the result of the leak? We were thinking if this is something that will eventually need surgery, that maybe they should just go ahead and do it now while she's still young and strong... because her health has been going down quickly in the past 5 or so years. I just don't want her to take any chances since her heart (up until now) was basically the only organ or system in her body that had nothing wrong with it. I'm scared, what should I be doing? Research? Finding out more about the leak? I will be going to the next appt with her, she already asked me to because she's nervous.

Hi,

As one ages there is some calcification and hardening of the leaflets. It is a high probability this is the underlying problem, and it is not unusual nor a worrisome condition. Some leakage will occur when the leaflets do not tightly close. Proper protocol for mild would be to monitor periodically, and moderately to severe regurgitation may require treatment.