Can someone live with a leaky heart valve?

Yes: Many people can have mild leaks (regurgitation) of one or more of their heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonic). Often mild to moderate regurgitation is tolerated quite well and can be followed. Moderate to severe regurgitation can sometimes be followed closely if the patient has no symptoms and the heart is otherwise ok, but severe leaks can lead to serious problems.

Absolutely: Consequences depend on valve, severity & symptoms.