could this be from a bicuspid aortic valve?

[mbimom]

I am a 43 year old female, I am very active and in general good health. 2 years ago I had an ablation done for svt and have been perfectly fine since.  During that time they found that I had a bicuspid aortic valve with mild regurgitation. I go every six months for echo. My last one in Jan. and they didn't seem concerned.  Last week I felt a big thump in my chest, like the way it would feel when a bout of svt would set in.  Then I became extremely dizzy but I did not have svt rythem.  I have been feeling palpitations,having dizzy spells, and experiencing a slight pain in my chest ever since.  I seem to be having a hard time at spin class I am getting winded quikly.  Could this be from my valve?

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Mbimom,

You are describing palpitations. It is important for you to have excellent follow-up regarding your bicuspid aortic valve. People with this condition are at risk for aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. An aortic aneursym is an abnormal widening of the aorta and a dissection is when the wall of the aorta ruptures. Both of these conditions can be fatal. You should also take antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
It is difficult to say whether or not the palpitations you experienced are due your bicuspid aortic valve with knowing more specifics about your history.  However, since you are having persistent symptoms I would recommend contacting your cardiologist.  Hope this helps.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE

[Avel]

Hi,
Since my husband's experience with bicuspid aortic disease (he had valve surgery first, and later aortic aneurysm surgery), I have followed the medical literature regarding this condition.
I wanted to share a reference from the AHA journal Circulation that is very helpful in terms of describing the overall aspects of bicuspid aortic disease. The full article is available online at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/8/900?eaf   As the doctor has mentioned, the aortic aspects of this disease are very dangerous, and it is important that you are very carefully evaluated by expertise in aortic disease.

I am so sorry to read that you also have had SVT and currently have palpitations. Having these issues along with bicuspid aortic disease is apparently rather rare. However, I am aware of someone else who also has bicuspid aortic disease as well as cardiac arrhythmias. If you would like to contact me regarding further details, please feel free to email me at ***@****
Best wishes to you.

[Avel]

It is often a challenge for those with bicuspid aortic valve disease to find complete information that covers not only the valve, but the possible affects on the aorta and other aspects of underlying connective tissue problems that may be present. When this condition is accompanied by other cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias, it is important that multiple areas of specialization come together. I want to share a source of information and expertise covering bicuspid aortic disease and aortic disease in general, as well as medical and surgical approaches to treatment. Here is the URL
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/aorta