Hemodynamic changes of aortic regurgitation.

Hemodynamic changes associated with acute AR include a rapid increase in LV pressures during diastole, markedly elevated pressures at end diastole, and premature closure of the mitral valve. Systemic diastolic pressures may be low, but there is a minimal increase in pulse pressure. In very severe cases of acute AR, cardiac output may decrease, leading to hypotension. In chronic AR, the LV remodels to accommodate the regurgitant volume flow, and stroke volume increases to maintain effective forward blood flow. These adaptations lead to a dilated LV, a widened pulse pressure, and a low diastolic blood pressure, which are the classic findings of chronic AR.