Bicuspid Aortic Valve

[Beatlemaniac87]

Hi, My name is Mike, I'm 21 years old and was diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve at a very young age.  Since I was a baby I have gone to a cardiologist typically once a year for a check-up.  I had my last check-up less than a month ago.  The doctor saw no signs of change since the last visit and scheduled me for a Stress Echo test within the next month because we have never done one.  This defect has never been a limitation on physical activities or been an issue or concern for me. However, within the last few months I have very mild dull pains coming from my heart.  It started out once and a while, and now it is almost all the time.  The pain has not increased, in fact i'm not sure if i'd even call it a pain.  I can also feel a tightness in my neck sometimes and sometimes a slight tingling or tightness all the way down my left arm.  I have never experianced this or any kinda of issues before.  And because it is so constant I have become concerned.  I am wondering if I should go and have it checked out before my scheduled vist which is in a little over a month, and what could possibly be wrong.

[cis1144]

Have you had a ultra sound done on your heart recently?  The reason im asking is my son 13 has a bicuspid valve (since 2001) had a ultra sound then and had one last week at age 13 and his had changed alot but he had no symtoms?  At that time we were informed he needs a ultra sound every 2 yrs?

[kenkeith]

Typically bicuspid aortic valve symptoms peak around the fourth decade of life resulting in aortic valve leakage (called aortic regurgitation or aortic insufficiency) is less common during early childhood but can also develop over time. Indicates it is a slow process, but that doesn't rule out a current valve disorder.

Some of the symptoms can be shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down; fatigue, especially during times of increased activity; cough, especially at night or when lying down; heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat; CHEST PAIN (angina) or tightness.

If it is a heart problem, you may want to see a doctor prior to your scheduled meeting.  Only a doctor can determine whether or not your symptoms are heart related...chest pain is a symptom and your condition may have passed a threshold of no symptoms for congenital heart defect.