What are the latest meds being prescribed for Bicuspid aortic valve disease?

I was diagnosed in Jan 2008 with a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate regurgitation of my aortic valve and mild regurgitation of both my mitral and tricuspid valve. According to my echo and CT, my aortic root is at the high end of normal in size and my left ventricle is slightly enlarged by 3mm. I was prescribed metoprolol 12.5mg every 12 hours and amlodipine 2.5mg at bedtime. I do not have high BP, so the reason for the low doses. I recently left my meds at a hotel and I am now in Europe where I tried to have them replaced, but the smallest dose of amlodipine was 5mg gelcaps, so the cardiologist here prescribed another calcium channel blocker - NITRENDIPINE 5mg. This drug is not available in the U.S. so when I tried to contact my cardiologist there to see if he thought it was okay, he said he was not familiar with it. It gives me terrible headaches. Is anyone out ther familiar with this drug? Really I want to know what other people with BAVD are being prescribed, I keep reading that Beta Blockers and Ace Inhibitors are the best combos for this condition, but maybe that is only if you have a problem with high BP......?
If anyone feels like sharing there experience with this congenital heart disorder, I would love to read about it.  


This discussion is related to Aortic Regurgitation.

[upchurch131]

I've been diagnosed with BAV about ten years ago. I've had mild to moderate regirg and my aortic root was holding steady for all this time.  Last April, the root started enlarging again and as of this April, my echo shows a size of 5.3cm.  I've been told it is time for surgery.  I would like to appeal to anyone who has experienced BAV with aortic enlargement to share their corrective procedure.  I am worried about the two procedures, especially having to choose your "poision" so to speak in a valve selection.  Also, the aortic repair is imposing and I am wondering what others were told about a repair and how long it would last.  Please share your experiences and recommendations.

upchurch131