Bicuspid Aortic Valve Confusion

[Tom__0__0]

  Greetings! I am a 43-year old male who was diagnosed about a year and a half ago
  with a bicuspid aortic valve. I didn't think much about it at the time; my doctor
  told me 20 percent of the population have it, and it's nothing to worry about. I only
  recently learned it was a congenital heart defect after experiencing some
  annoying (not frightening) chest pains that come and go--so I asked for my
  medical records. The doctor had not used the technical term before; now, as I
  peruse books and the net about the subject, I'm concerned and confused about
  what to do. Last year I worked out vigorously each day on a Nordic Track after
  being told everything was okay. But I've gotten away from that habit, and have
  much more stress at my job. I'm too embarrassed to go back to my doctor since he
  was so cavalier about the defect, but I don't want a surprise down the road. Occasionally
  I experience shortness of breath, but don't really know if it's anything out
  of the ordinary. My blood pressure is fine, and my father had a heart attack
  at 62 but at 80, continues to lead a healthy life. Here are the specific results
  of my test 18 months ago when I was having palpitations:
  Biventricular internal dimensions and systolic functions are normal.
  No wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle are noted.
  Left ventricular wall thickness is normal.
  Atria are normal size.
  Trace mitral regurgitation, normal tricuspid valve with trace regurgitation
  normal pulmonary valve with trace pulmonary insufficiency
  Bicuspid aortic valve, but peak velocity across the valve is not significantly increased.There
  is a jet of aortic insufficiency with the pressure half time of 395 milliseconds and a deceleration slope of 340
  milliseconds. Overall impression is mild aortic insufficiency.
  The ascending aorta is mildly dilated (3.6 cm).
  Sorry for all the details, but I'm concerned about what I should or shouldn't do. I've had a dental cleaning since the test,
  and had ureterscopic stone extraction surgery the year before the test. Should I
  have another echocardiagram done by another specialist, or am I being too alarmist? Thanks for any pertinent advice.
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Dear Tom,
Thank you for your question.  This is really nothing to get worried about.  I have listed some information about this condition below.
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.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve