Valvular incompetence is a medical term used to describe a malfunctioning heart valve that fails to close properly. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe this condition. One of the more common synonyms is valvular regurgitation, which means blood is flowing back through the valve. Other synonyms include valvular insufficiency, valve leakage, and valve prolapse. Some doctors may also refer to this condition by the specific valve that is affected, such as aortic regurgitation or mitral insufficiency. Regardless of the term used, valvular incompetence is a serious health condition that can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.