A Patients Guide:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
What is a Bicuspid Aortic Valve?
The Aortic Valve has two cusps instead of three. Rarely, some people are born with an aortic valve that has one (unicuspid) or four (quadricuspid) cusps.
How common is this heart condition?
Approximately 2% of people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve.
What are the symptoms of Bicuspid Aortic Valve?
While people with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve often have no symptoms, a significant percentage develop stenosis or regurgitation. These disorders often occur at a younger age than in people with a tricuspid aortic valve. A bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis may be associated with enlargement (dilatation) of the ascending Aorta.
Treatment for Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
People with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve require regular review for changes in their condition. They may require Aortic Valve Replacement if they develop severe stenosis or regurgitation, symptoms such as shortness of breath or enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart. The ascending Aorta also requires replacement when it exceeds a certain diameter.
The European Association of Cardiology (EAC) issued detailed guidelines regarding the treatment of diseases of the aortic valve (https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Management-of)