Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Overview

A healthcare provider may diagnose a bicuspid aortic valve with a cardiac prenatal ultrasound during pregnancy. Other times, providers diagnose it when a child has other heart problems that cause symptoms. Testing then reveals the bicuspid aortic valve.

But other people go many years without knowing they have this condition. The first sign may be a heart murmur that your provider hears through a stethoscope. After that, your provider may run imaging tests to check your heart’s structure and function.

What tests will be done to diagnose a bicuspid aortic valve?

Your provider may run the following tests to check your heart and diagnose a bicuspid aortic valve:

Echocardiogram (echo).
CT scans (computed tomography scans).
Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

They may also refer you for genetic testing.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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