Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease: All you need to know
The inherited form of heart disease, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, is when two of the leaflets of the aortic valve fuse during development in the womb. This can result in a two-leaflet valve, as opposed to a three-leaflet valve, which is normal. If you are experiencing symptoms of the disease, it’s advised that you visit a specialist London heart clinic, who will be able to examine you and determine the steps that you need to take. We have compiled a guide for all you need to know about Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease, below.
What Is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease?
The aortic valve is a one-way valve that runs between the aorta and the heart. It’s the main artery that distributes oxygen-rich blood to the body and normally has three small leaflets that open widely and close tightly in order to regulate blood flow. In turn, this allows blood to flow from the heart to the aorta, which helps to prevent the blood from flowing backwards into the heart. Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease means that the valve has two leaflets, which means that the valve can’t function perfectly. For years the valve can function adequately without showing any signs of a problem.
What Are The Signs Of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease?
Although the disease is present at birth, Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease isn’t usually diagnosed until adulthood. This is because the defective valve can function for years without having a problem. In some cases, the disease is so severe at birth, that the baby develops congestive heart failure. Normally, as the valve ages, patients will have a history of childhood murmur and the symptoms will continue to develop with age.
As calcium deposits develop on and around the leaflets, this can cause the valve to narrow and stiffen. This is known as stenosis and as it worsens, the heart must pump harder in order to force the blood through the valve. The symptoms of stenosis include dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Another sign of Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease is regurgitation (aortic valve insufficiency). This is the result of the bicuspid valve not being able to close completely and resulting in the blood from flowing back into the heart. As the heart must repump the same blood out again, this can cause stain on the lower left chamber of the heart and the left ventricle. Over time, the ventricle will either over-expand or dilate.
What Complications Can The Disease Cause?
The biggest complications caused by Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease are:
Heart Failure – In time, a stenotic valve will cause the left ventricle to thicken, as the additional pumping is required to force the blood through the valve.
Aortic Aneurysm – The connective tissue disorder that causes Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease can also affect the tissue layers from the walls of the aorta. The tissue will degenerate, and the aorta walls lose their strength and will stretch out of shape. This can cause the formation of an aneurysm.
Treatment For Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
For the most severe cases, if symptoms are present at birth it’s imperative that the patient undergoes surgery to repair the valve immediately. However, in other cases, people with Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease can go their who life without knowing that they have the disease. Around 80 percent of people with the disease will need surgical treatment, which is usually performed in their 30’s or 40’s.
Hopefully this guide has provide you with more information about Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease. For advice about your own heart, speak to a doctor or heart specialist.
