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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Aortic Bicuspid valve
Answered by
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Aortic Bicuspid valve
by Nathalie__0, Jul 25, 1998 12:00AM
Hi,
My boyfriend is 19 and was diagnosed with aortic bicuspid valve last year.
I would like to know more about it. What is it exactly? How serious is it?
What can be done to make sure it does not get worse? How often does it need
to be checked out? Can a person with BAV lead a normal lifestyle? Should
this person follow a certain diet? etc. etc. I have so many questions and
know so little about this disorder that I'm not sure what exactly to ask
about. My boyfriend's doctor said he was totally healthy except for this.
Thanks for your help I will greatly appreciate it!!
Nathalie
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Jul 25, 1998 12:00AM
, Jul 25, 1998 12:00AMDear Nathalie,
The aortic valve is the valve that separates the left ventricle from the aorta. It is made of 3 leaflets or flaps that look like an peace symbol when the valve is closed. A biscuspid aortic valve means that there are 2 leaflets instead of the usual 3. A unicuspid valve means there is only one leaflet. Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital anomaly of the heart. These valves are functional at birth and remain so throughout a normal life span. There is a increased predisposition to progress to stenosis (narrowing) as an older adult (60-70’s) and surgical repair may be required at that time. There is also some increase in the incidence of infective endocarditis (infection of the valve).
There are no physical restrictions for individuals with bicuspid aortic valve.
There are no special diet restrictions.
More information about congenital valve abnormalities can be found in any standard cardiology textbook and in the web sites below.
http://www.amhrt.org/Heart_and_Stroke_A_Z_Guide/conghd.html
Hope this helps.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.
