Bicuspid Aortic Valve Treatment

A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital defect in which there are only two slits in its opening rather than the normal three. The aortic valve is the primary vessel that distributes blood throughout the body.

Significance

• Because the valve has only two slits, the heart must work harder to pass the blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Complications

• A bicuspid valve causes blood to back up into the pumping chamber. It may also harden (known as stenosis) or become enlarged.

Symptoms

• If you have a bicuspid valve you may tire easily, faint, have chest pains or have trouble breathing.

Treatment

• Treatments vary and depend on the severity of the symptoms. In severe cases, cardiac catheterization is done to widen the artery. The valve itself may need to be replaced eventually.

Prevention/Solution

• Cholesterol medications are used to prevent plaque buildup in the artery.