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Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Bicuspid Valve VideoA bicuspid valve is an aortic valve with two leaflets rather than the normal three leaflet valve. This condition can lead to early onset aortic valve stenosis. It can also be associated with leaking of the aortic valve (aortic valve insufficiency) and aneurysms of the aorta.

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common cardiac valve abnormality which is present from birth with 1-2% of all people having this abnormality. The condition is more common in men than women.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve

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Symptoms

Initially patients are asymptomatic and the abnormality is present from birth. If the valve becomes more significantly narrowed the most common symptoms are

  • Shortness of breath with exertion
  • Dizziness
  • Leg swelling
  • Chest pain
  • Passing out (syncope)

Diagnostic Tests

Treatment

No particular medical treatment has been shown to slow progression of the process. Ultimately, affected patients may need valve replacement and/or repair of an aortic aneurysm.

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