Nutrition Information

Bicuspid Aortic Valve

by Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD and Pete Aoukar, MD
Posted: February 17

The normal aortic valve is tri-leaflet and resembles the Mercedes Benz insignia.

The bicuspid aortic valve is the most common abnormality of the heart and occurs in 1 % of the population. It resembles a “fishmouth” because it has two, instead of three leaflets.

It is associated with calcific degeneration, and if one lives long enough, can cause valvular aortic stenosis. So, make sure your doctor listens to your heart carefully during annual physical examinations. Aortic stenosis in patients with bicuspid aortic valves usually manifests itself in the fourth and fifth decades of life.

The bicuspid aortic valve is associated with coarctation of the aorta, a congenital narrowing of the aorta beyond the subclavian artery. It typically manifests itself during young adulthood.

The bicuspid aortic valve is also associated with dissection of the aorta.

Consult your cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon if you have additional questions about the bicuspic aortic valve.

Reference:
Excerpt from the book: Everything Is Bad For Your Heart: The A to Z Guide, Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD and Pierre Aoukar, MD. Magalhaes Scientific Press

Date of Article Publication:
in press

Web Site: http://diagnosisheart.com