ABOUT THE DISEASE

Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) is a congenital deformity. The valve between the heart and the aorta is a one-way valve. Normally, aortic valve has three small flaps to regulate blood flow from heart to aorta and preventing back flow of blood into the heart. In bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD), instead of three, there are only two flaps in the valve. Due to this abnormality, the valve does not function perfectly, but it may keep on functioning passably for years and there can still be no symptoms or signs of a problem.

SYMPTOMS

Those who have bicuspid aortic valve may also have aortic aneurysm, abnormal thoracic aorta, fluctuating high blood pressure, and abnormal coronary arteries.

Other Symptoms include:

• • Enlarged heart
• • Aortic regurgitation
• • Heart murmur
• • Weak pulse in the wrists and ankles
• • Aortic stenosis

CAUSES

This deformity is present from birth (congenital) and is one of the most common congenital heart defects. The development of a deformed aortic valve takes place during the early weeks of pregnancy, when the heart of the fetus develops. This disease sometimes runs in families. What causes bicuspid aortic valve disease is still not fully clear, but recent studies show that it is associated with a connective tissue disorder which leads to other circulatory system problems as well.

DIAGNOSIS

- Echocardiography, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart
- Other tests such as electrocardiogram, angiography to detect other problems with the heart and arteries related to bicuspid aortic valve disease

TREATMENT METHODS

A leaky or narrowed valve can be repaired by surgery. A narrowed valve can also be opened through cardiac catheterization.

Medications may include:
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers
• "Water pills" (diuretics)
• Drugs that make the heart muscle pump harder (inotropic agents)

You may also like to learn about:

Heart Valve Disease
Tricuspid valve stenosis
Aortic valve stenosis
Aortic valve regurgitation
Mitral valve stenosis
Mitral valve regurgitation