aortic insufficiency

I am a 43yr old female in good health.  A few years ago I had a succesful ablation for svt. During that time I was told that I have a bicuspid aortic valve. I go every six months for an echo.  So far everything was fine the doc said.  I recently had a laparoscopy done and had to get cardiac clearance for the procedure.  I just happened to read the note the cardiologist sent to the gyn and it said ok to operate, She has bicuspid aortic valve with 2 aortic insufficiancy.  My cardiologist never told me anything about aortic insufficiency, is this something to be concerned about? I am due for my next echo in Nov. can it wait or should I call to ask now?

[Cleveland Clinic]

mbimom,

Valves of the heart work to control the flow of blood in and out of the heart. The do this by opening and closing to isolate chambers of the heart and allow flow to move in a forward direction.  Problems with the anatomic structure of valves can lead to situtaions where the blood has problems moving through the orifice of the valve(stenosis) or leaks back through the valve when it is closed(regurgitation).  These are the 2 main ways valves do not function properly.  A valve can actually have both problems.

Bicuspid aortic valves usually present with symptoms of aortic stenosis between the ages of 40 and 60. However a smaller portion of patients present with symptoms primarily form regurgitation.  That your valve leaks is not really suprising and should not have an impact on the procedure.

For more information on bicuspid valves, vist the Cleveland Clinic Web Site.

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/cardiology/aortic_valve/aortic_valve.htm