Bicuspid aortic valve

What is bicuspid aortic valve?

Bicuspid aortic valve is a mild congenital heart malformation, present from birth. The main task of the aortic valve is to allow blood to flow from one chamber to another and to prevent a certain amount of blood from flowing back into the left ventricle. The most frequent congenital heart disease is the malformation of this valve that instead of having three valve flaps, it has only two, in most cases because one of the flaps has not developed (atrophic flap).

The diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve consists of an echocardiogram.

Symptoms of bicuspid aortic valve

This deformity, if not associated with other heart diseases, does not present specific symptoms (at most a feeling of exhaustion, palpitations and dizziness) and does not compromise the patient’s lifestyle. However, as one ages, this condition, if not diagnosed and controlled, can worsen and lead to other problems, such as aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency.

Diagnosis of Bicuspid Aortic Valve

The diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve consists of an echocardiogram. The severity depends on the pressure difference between the inside of the left ventricle and the aorta after the valve: the greater the difference, the more severe the pathology.

What are the causes of bicuspid aortic valve?

The main causes of bicuspid aortic valve are of genetic origin. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of people with first-degree relatives affected by this condition have the same anomaly. Some mild genetic mutations related to bicuspid aortic valve have also been identified, but a direct relationship with one of the alterations has not yet been established.

Read Now đŸ‘‰  Cognitive behavioral therapy

Can it be prevented?

Bicuspid aortic valve is not preventable due to its genetic nature.

Treatments for bicuspid aortic valve

The treatment is pharmacological in mild cases of bicuspid aortic valve, to alleviate the damage of the obstruction or valve insufficiency; in more severe cases, the treatment is surgical and consists of the insertion of a valve prosthesis made of synthetic or biological material.

Which specialist should be consulted?

In the case of a bicuspid aortic valve, it is advisable to consult an expert in cardiology or cardiac surgery.