Sonogram

I have a sonogram done about once a year to keep an eye on my bicuspid aortic valve. Besides the valve opening dimension what other pieces of information does my cardiologist get from these sonograms ? Does aortic stenosis always progress to the point where it requires surgery ? (I know I stuck two questions in but it's hard to get a shot at this forum !)

Thanks Doctor.

[CCF-M.D.-DLB]

Your cardiologist also wants to make sure that the valve is not leaking. Aortic stenosis does not always progress to the point of needing surgery, though aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid valve does have a higher likelihood of progressing to the point of surgery than aortic stenosis due to old age. The best thing that you can do is just maintain your overall physical conditioning, such that if you need surgery in the future, it will be relatively low risk.