Aortic Valve Thickening

[Duk]

I recently had an echo and was told that the Aortic Valve was becoming calcified.  I have a VSD and one cusp of the aortic valve is being pulled through the VSD.  Is this valve becoming calcified the same as becoming thicken?  Is something like this likely to continue to worsen?  It seems that frequently I get lightheaded while standing up.  If I get stressed or upset and after playing with the kids I get a bad headache.  Is this something that could come from the valve problem? They thought the valve becoming calcified was strange since I am 35 years old.  Thanks for your help.

[Darryl]

Doug,
Could you please drop me an e-mail at ***@****
My wife's doctor just told her today that she had "thickening of
the aorta valve and he wasn't very clear.  Maybe you could offer
some info for us. Thanks Doug.
Darryl

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Valve thickening and calcification are somewhat different terms, though they often co-exist. Valves do not usually get calcified at a young age, unless they are damaged. Possibly, the valve is being damaged by the VSD and the calcification is a sign of this. Your symptoms could be due to the valve, the VSD or both.