How serious is a bicuspid aortic valve?

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.

Needs to be followed: The normal aortic valve has 3 leaflets but the bicuspid valve only has 2. It is the most common valve congenital malformation. About 1-2%. The natural course is for the valve to get stiffer over time and not open wide enough. This is called stenosis. Most pts need aortic valve replacement by their 50-60's. Until that time though it should not have a significant impact. Need antibiotics for dental.