BAV and enlarged root

My 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve with trivial regurgitation and and enlarged aortic root. She has Turner Syndrome also. Her Z score is 2.4. Should she be allowed to hike a mountain with her class. It is 2 miles up and 2 back and some of the grade was listed as "moderate"

[Jeffrey R Boris, M.D.]

Dear TG,

As you have already found out, bicuspid aortic valve is associated with dilated aortic root and potential rupture.  It is also seen in patients with Turner syndrome.  A Z score of 2.4 is not particularly dilated, although without seeing her or her echocardiogram specifically, I cannot say for sure.  The amount of load with hiking (as long as it is without a backpack) is mostly aerobic and not particularly isometric, which is less likely to cause problems with the aorta.  To be sure, you should check this out with your pediatric cardiologist to ensure that her heart is specifically able to handle this activity.