A 34-year-old member asked:
i have a bicuspid aortic valve, what do i do next?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Cynthia Pointanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
See a cardiologist: The valve is normally 3 parts, so yours with only 2 parts will "age" faster. You should have an echocardiogram perhaps annually, to follow the size of the opening. If it begins to narrow too much, surgery is indicated to replace it.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Diana Metzger commented
Cardiology 30 years experience
Annual echos may not be needed until signs of progression start to accellerate
Apr 7, 2013

Dr. Diana Metzgeranswered
Cardiology 30 years experience
Serial exams: The natural history of bicuspid aortic valve is to progressively deteriorate over years and narrow (stenosis) or leak. Many need to have valve replacement in their 40s to 60s. There is no known treatment to postpone that deterioration, but you can make sure you are in the best condition possible to undergo surgery later - healthy weight, stamina from exercise, other health problems controlled.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Diana Metzger commented
Cardiology 30 years experience
Provided original answer
symptoms of passing out, chest pain, or fluid building up in lungs (CHF) should prompt IMMEDIATE evaluation.
Apr 7, 2013

Dr. Alan Heldmananswered
Cardiology 33 years experience
Bicuspid valve: The aortic valve normally has three cusps, or leaflets. Some people are born with only two cusps of this valve, and this abnormality does increase the chance that the valve will deteriorate and require replacement. Also associated with the bicuspid aortic valve is a tendency for the first segment of the aorta to enlarge into an aneurysm. A cardiologist should monitor these conditions.
862 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
What is the abbreviation for the bicuspid aortic valve?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Louis Grenzeranswered
Cardiology 55 years experience
BAV OR CBAV: Although I have seldom seen it abbreviated, bav for bicuspid aortic valve or cbav for congenital bicuspid aortic valve are abbreviations occasionally used.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
How serious is a bicuspid aortic valve?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Terrence Cohenanswered
Cardiology 46 years experience
May worsen with age: This is a not uncommon congenital variant which is typically aysmptomatic for many years. With aging, leakage from the valve not closing properly may become a problem. Also, the valve can be a site on which infections may settle.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: bicuspid aortic valve?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Currenanswered
Cardiology 14 years experience
Abnormal heart valve: A bicuspid aortic valve is a condition that is present from birth. The aortic valve doesn't form normally, resulting in a narrowing of the valve. This narrowing causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can cause heart problems in the long term. People with bicuspid aortic valves usually require valve replacement surgery at some point in their lives. Bicuspid valves run in families.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Australia
A 39-year-old female asked:
Can i drink wine still I have a bicuspid aortic valve they say its mild I have check ups every 12 months ?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. George Mathewanswered
Cardiology 58 years experience
Yes: U can drink wine 1-2 glasses without any problem!
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Hello, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve - should I be worried?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bennett Werneranswered
Cardiology 44 years experience
Need f/u: There is a strong likelihood that you will need to have your aortic valve replaced with/without aortic root reconstruction sometime during your life. But it's not 100%. You will need annual follow up with a cardiologist.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 30, 2016
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