What is Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Bicuspid Aortic Valve description. Find out what Bicuspid Aortic Valve is and know more about it.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve is a congenital heart condition characterized by the presence of a two-leaflet aortic valve instead of the normal three-leaflet valve. This condition affects approximately 1-2% of the population and is more common in males than females.
The aortic valve is responsible for regulating blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. In individuals with a bicuspid aortic valve, the valve may be malformed, thickened, or narrowed, leading to various complications.
People with this condition are at an increased risk of developing aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve opening) or aortic valve regurgitation (leakage of blood back into the left ventricle). These complications can result in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations.
While some individuals with a bicuspid aortic valve may remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, others may require medical intervention or even surgical repair/replacement of the valve. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a cardiologist are crucial to manage this condition effectively.
