Overview
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a congenital (present at birth) heart condition. It means your aortic valve (between your heart and your aorta) only has two flaps or cusps instead of the typical three. With only two flaps, your aortic valve may have trouble closing and opening properly.
Your aortic valve cusps or leaflets open and shut to regulate blood flow between your heart and your aorta. These flaps make sure your oxygen-rich blood flows out of your heart and into your aorta. They prevent blood from flowing backward into your heart. The flaps should open widely to let blood flow out of your heart and then close securely.
If your aortic valve doesn’t close tightly enough, blood leaks backward from your aorta into your heart. This is aortic regurgitation.
If your aortic valve doesn’t open wide enough, less blood can flow from your heart to nourish the rest of your body. This is aortic stenosis (narrowing).
You might have aortic regurgitation or stenosis for years and not even realize it. You may not feel any symptoms. Your aortic valve does its best to keep getting the job done. It’s just not as efficient as a valve with three flaps.
Over time, though, your bicuspid aortic valve makes your heart work harder, and this can lead to serious complications. While it can be difficult to accept this reality, learning about your condition can help you understand it better.
How serious is a bicuspid aortic valve?
About 1 in 3 people with a bicuspid aortic valve develop complications. They can be very serious or even fatal. That’s why people with a bicuspid aortic valve disease diagnosis need ongoing medical checkups and testing.
About 1% to 2% of the general population has a bicuspid aortic valve. It’s twice as common in people assigned male at birth (AMAB) than in people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
People with Turner syndrome have an increased risk of heart problems, including a bicuspid aortic valve.
You might not feel any symptoms until the disease has progressed a lot or you have a medical emergency. But imaging tests can catch subtle changes before you even notice symptoms. And advances in treatment can help you live a long and healthy life.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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