Bicuspid Aortic Valve: How Serious Is It Really?

This video discusses the potential health concerns associated with bicuspid aortic valve disease. It explains that in patients with this condition, there are only two leaflets instead of the usual three, which can lead to eddy currents and damage to the leaflets. This damage can cause inflammation, calcific scarring, and ultimately aortic valve stenosis, which can occur much earlier in life than in people with a tri leaflet valve. Additionally, the connective tissue in the valve can weaken, leading to floppy aortic valve leaflets and aortic valve regurgitation. Finally, the early part of the aortic root can become weakened and enlarged, leading to aneurysms, which is why it's essential for patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease to have their aortic root assessed regularly. The video emphasizes that if an aortic valve procedure is required, the aorta may also need to be replaced depending on the size of the aneurysm. Keywords: bicuspid aortic valve, aortic valve disease, aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, aortic root, aneurysm.

[Duhastmage]

Ex-Athlete (boxer and firefighter here). I had a massive open heart surgery last year (took 7 hours) and I'm still recovering, but doing alright. I was born with a murmur, and a congenital heart defect having just a bi-cuspid aorta. One of the valves ended up being a faulty leaking valve (regurgitation), I developed an aortic aneurysm which was about to rupture (8.5cm large) and had an enlarged heart. They ended up doing a valve root sparring on me, mapping, and put some sort of mesh in my neck along with the chest wire. Good news is I was lucky to have caught this all at the age of 36, from being in tune with my body. Bad news is I have to go back in another 9 years to get a mechanical valve. I've had a lot of time to reflect, and had to pivot my life. I'm still on a beta blocker (Bisoprolol) for another year and my resting heart rate average is now between 47-55 (with the medication). Post-op it was very hard to stay below 100. I'm lucky to have another chance. Only starting to get back into the groove of things now, and dreaming of going back to work (at a loss what to do for that). It's definitely been very hard mentally to bounce back, and makes me think twice before going for a jog or pushing my fitness limits.

[Gpacharlie]

I am 66 with asymptomatic borderline severe Aortic stenosis, velocity @4.2. Leaflets are quite calcified and my catheterized angiography shows a pretty healthy heart. I passed a stress test and can walk 4-5 miles without any chest pain or shortness of breath. Echo also shows my heart to have not changed yet in response to the constriction. I was really hoping for TAVR but the doctors both at VA and University say the best choice is SAVR with biologic valve, then 15 or so years from now a TAVR will probably be required. They say my valve isn’t ideal for a TAVR valve placement. I guess I should count my blessings and get my courage up.

Thank you for your well done and informative videos.

[dutawe]

my father was born in 1954. he was the first person in my country to have an aortic valve repair. he was only 6 years old, and he has/had a very rare coagulation disease. he had to be frozen down in a bathtub full of ice. he was also the first person in my country to have a service dog.

only since i was born, my father has had 2 valve transplants. one when i was 2, a pig valve, and one when i was 6, a mechanical valve. i remember the ticking when he first got it, and my father's heart was broken because i found him scary and weird after his surgery. the ticking really frightened me. but he still has this valve today and it is working out well so far.

his brother passed away at only 40 years old from a heart attack related to his bicuspid aortic valve. and his other brother and sister both have had valve transplants at least once aswell. although they had those well into adulthood. their father, my grandfather, also died from this, like my uncle.

needless to say, i am only 19, but this worries me a bit. 40 is young, and i am halfway to that point.

i love my father with all my heart. and he is an incredible man. he was not expected to live past his teens, and he is turning 70 next year. absolutely a champ, and a firstcomer to multiple medical discoveries back in the day. a great test subject. and i am proud of him, and my country, for taking him so far❤️

[rhysjones]

Was diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve suffering from severe aortic stenosis back in July 2024, symptoms when I was running uphill of breathlessness and dizziness - concentric LV hypertrophy as well. Had valve replacement surgery (on x valve) and new aortic root in November 2024. 43 years of age. had few complications after the operation but was never in pain. 7 weeks post op now and walking over 10k steps per day. Feeling better every week and in a strange way I am enjoying the journey.

[cardmonty]

In December of 2021 I experienced a sudden drop in BP to 90/40. I needed my bicuspid aortic valve replaced, but while the surgeon was replacing it he noticed a 5mm hole in one of the leaflets. It was caused by endocarditis at some point in my 62 years on earth. I don’t know when, nor do I remember being very sick. I’m just lucky it was fixed in time so that I am still alive.

[allseasonmaintenance]

I’m 24 with bicuspid aortic valve I get checked every year echocardiogram and ekg he said everything is operating normal I do have a very slight murmur.. but nothing concerning, my dr also made me wear a heart monitor because I get heart palpitations sometimes but I do have bad anxiety and acid reflux he said that can cause it and caffeine my question do u dr is can this heart condition change overnight should I be worried everyday and what’s the chances you think I would need surgery to repair it ! Thanks !

[brian]

I had a bicuspid aortc valve and was persuaded to get it replaced at 61. My symptoms now are constant fatigue, dizziness, chest pain & when I push on, I have fainted once. Pre surgery I was asymptmatic. Worst thing I ever did was to get my good valve removed and had a valve downgrade.

[tedrzepski]

Helpful clearly presented information.

[carilynn]

Light headed, weak, dizzy. Yes i had a bicuspid aortic stenosis that progressed to regurgitation. Had those palpitations and everything. Not a fun situation. Got my valve replaced in 2010

[Pakistantimes]

descending Aortic Root is 36mm with bicuspid aortic valve and mild AR, what percuation i follow

[cindyrmt]

Hello Doctor. I am 28 and ECHO result shown Congenital heart disease, BAV Sievers Type 1. No regurgitation. No stenosis. All are normal according to my cardio. Any tips on how to stay healthy all the way?

[nickc]

exercising with a bicuspid aortic valve is there any limitations you need to take? I lift heavy weights 5 x a week and do cardio 4 x a week. thanks, Dr.

[paridhitiwari]

My brother is 18 years old and nd now we got to know that he has biscuspid aortic valve on an incidental finding . He is asymptomatic till date .he got enrolled in defence academy And there they heard cardiac murmur sound due to mild aortic regurgitation, no other symptoms are found..what we should do???

[kittymorrow]

I was having a chronic cough for 7 months, exhausted all the time, chest tightness and extreme dizziness. Had an ECHO done and they found I had a bicuspid valve with moderate stenosis (3.1 size) and mild regurgitation. I also have lupus which I’ve had flare ups for years. My cardiologist set up another ECHO in 6 months. I have to take naps during the day to get through the day and am completely winded doing everyday normal activities I did a year ago. Should I get a second opinion?

[xfirefoxy]

My baby was born with this, she's now 5yo had has yearly checkups.

I know she's not likely to have any ops till she's much older.
For those that have had the op, was you moniterd and it was determined it was time to have the op before anything happened?

Or did you have symptoms which require the op, and how much of an emergency was it?

On a side note, my daughter really wants her ears pierced. I've told her no since that's what I've been advised.
But I know she'll be an adult one day and does as she please.
Does anyone have piercings/tattoo and still here to tell the tale with any advise to give her for the future? 😅

[padenhill]

Hello doctor! I’m 24 and have BAVD, I have recently begun experiencing pain within my veins of my legs, usually after a workout. I try to stay active and healthy with my lifestyle but I’m beginning to worry that I may be causing harm? Do you have any thoughts? Would love feedback of any kind 🙏🏻

[michellepreece]

I'm 50 female and just found out I've got a bicuspid aortic value and mild aortic regurgitation as well

[Ked.]

I discovered my BAV in 2020 during covid-19. Can one live a normal life without affecting lifespan with it?

[christospip]

I’m 27 . I’m 1.88cm and 86 kg . I used to lift weight for 16 years . I have bav and aortic root 4cm but I have this exact measure for 8 years and is stable. I stopped wight training . Can I continue weight training but with moderate weight doing 10-12 reps ?

[IzanHananHanan]

My echo report
Mild AR /No AS
Trivial MR/TR
But severe my symptoms are all time chest tightness
is it serious please answer