What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• BAV (Bicuspid Aortic Valve)

What is Bicuspid Aortic Valve? (Definition/Background Information)

• Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is a congenital heart defect characterized by the presence of only two leaflets in the aortic valve instead of the normal three. This can result in the valve becoming stiff or leaky, leading to various heart problems
• The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body. In a normal aortic valve, three leaflets open and close to allow blood to flow in one direction
• Bicuspid Aortic Valve is manifested at birth, although the signs and symptoms of the disorder may develop later. In many individuals, BAV may remain asymptomatic. In some, it can result in chest pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties
• A diagnosis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve may involve tests and exams such as an echocardiogram or imaging studies. The treatment for symptomatic individuals may involve medications and/or surgery based on the healthcare provider’s recommendation
• In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve is generally good. However, severe cases of BAV may lead to complications, such as aortic aneurysm and heart failure, which may adversely affect the outcomes

Who gets Bicuspid Aortic Valve? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart valve disorder, affecting approximately 1-2% of the population
• BAV is a congenital heart defect, meaning it is present at birth
• It can occur in any individual but is more common in males than females
• There is no racial or ethnic group preference noted

What are the Risk Factors for Bicuspid Aortic Valve? (Predisposing Factors)

• The main risk factor for developing Bicuspid Aortic Valve is having a family history of the condition
• Other risk factors may include:
  • Being male
  • The presence of certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome and Marfan syndrome

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bicuspid Aortic Valve? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is poorly understood, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors
• BAV is often seen in individuals with certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome and Marfan syndrome

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bicuspid Aortic Valve?

Many individuals with Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) have no symptoms and may not be aware of their condition until later in their life. However, some individuals may experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Fainting

In severe cases, BAV can lead to heart failure or an aortic aneurysm.

How is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Diagnosed?

• Bicuspid Aortic Valve is typically diagnosed during a routine physical exam when a healthcare provider hears an abnormal heart sound called a heart murmur
• Additional tests, such as an echocardiogram, a cardiac MRI, or a CT scan, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bicuspid Aortic Valve?

Untreated Bicuspid Aortic Valve can lead to various complications that may include:

• Aortic stenosis
• Aortic regurgitation
• Infective endocarditis
• Heart failure
• Aortic aneurysm

How is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Treated?

Treatment for Bicuspid Aortic Valve depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of symptoms.

• Mild cases may not require any treatment, but regular monitoring by a cardiologist is recommended
• In more severe cases, medications may be prescribed to manage the symptoms, or surgery may be necessary to repair/replace the aortic valve

How can Bicuspid Aortic Valve be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known measures to prevent Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) since it is a congenital condition
• However, if there is a family history of BAV or other congenital heart defects, it is recommended to undergo regular cardiac checkups to monitor one’s heart health

What is the Prognosis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Bicuspid Aortic Valve depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of complications
• Mild cases typically have a good prognosis, while severe cases may require treatment and monitoring throughout one’s life

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bicuspid Aortic Valve:

The following link is a useful resource for information on other heart conditions on DoveMed:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/heart-center/