Which terms describe a heart valve that is leaky or partially blocked?

• A. Prolapse and occlusion
• B. Stenosis and dilation
• C. Insufficiency and dilation
• D. Regurgitation and stenosis

Answer: (D)

The question is about how heart valves fail, using two classic terms: regurgitation and stenosis. A valve that is leaky means blood is flowing backward through the valve, which is called regurgitation (also known as insufficiency). A valve that is partially blocked means its opening is narrowed, which is called stenosis. Together, these terms describe the two common ways a valve can fail.

Regurgitation describes leakage, where the valve doesn’t close properly and blood regurgitates back into the previous chamber. Stenosis describes narrowing, where the valve opening becomes constricted, making it harder for blood to flow forward. The combination Regurgitation and stenosis precisely captures both leaky and partially blocked states.

Other terms like prolapse refer to the valve leaflets bulging abnormally but don’t specify leakage in the same way, dilation refers to enlargement rather than blockage, and occlusion is a more general blockage term not the standard paired description for valve failure. Hence, the best match is regurgitation and stenosis.