Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a condition in which the valve at the entrance of the main artery that pumps oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body develops with two leaflets instead of three during development in the womb. When this vital safety valve, which normally consists of three flexible leaflets, develops congenitally with two parts, a structural difference occurs in the dynamics of the heart’s blood-pumping function. This congenital heart structure, which is quite common in the population, predisposes the valve tissue to wear and fatigue in later years due to the continuous mechanical stress created by lifelong turbulent blood flow. Thanks to regular follow-ups and the innovative approaches offered by modern cardiology, it is possible to protect your heart health safely without compromising your quality of life.<\/p>\n
| Definition<\/span><\/td>\n | Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is a congenital condition in which the aortic valve, which should normally consist of three leaflets, has two leaflets. It is the most common congenital heart valve anomaly.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n| Affected Area<\/span><\/td>\n | The aortic valve, the ascending aorta, and indirectly the left ventricle.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Difference from Normal Structure<\/span><\/td>\n | A normal aortic valve has three leaflets (tricuspid). Since BAV has two leaflets, the valve may be exposed to greater mechanical stress over time.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Prevalence<\/span><\/td>\n | It is seen in approximately 1\u20132% of the population. It is more common in men than in women.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Cause<\/span><\/td>\n | It is a congenital anomaly. It may be inherited from the mother or father and may be seen in more than one individual in some families.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Risk Factors<\/span><\/td>\n | Family history, certain genetic predispositions, and accompanying congenital heart diseases.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Symptoms<\/span><\/td>\n | It may cause no symptoms for many years. When symptoms develop, shortness of breath, easy fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting may occur.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Asymptomatic Condition<\/span><\/td>\n | In many people, the disease is detected incidentally through a heart murmur heard during a routine examination or by echocardiography.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Associated Valve Diseases<\/span><\/td>\n | Aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, or both may develop together.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Effect on the Aorta<\/span><\/td>\n | The risk of enlargement of the ascending aorta (aortic dilatation), aneurysm development, and rarely aortic dissection may increase.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Diagnostic Methods<\/span><\/td>\n | Physical examination, echocardiography (the main diagnostic method), transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cardiac catheterization when necessary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Importance of Echocardiography<\/span><\/td>\n | It is the main examination for evaluating valve structure, opening, the degree of stenosis or regurgitation, heart functions, and aortic diameter.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Importance of CT and MRI<\/span><\/td>\n | They provide detailed information, especially for measuring the diameter of the ascending aorta, monitoring aneurysms, and surgical planning.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Follow-Up<\/span><\/td>\n | Valve functions and aortic diameter are monitored at certain intervals with echocardiography and, when necessary, CT\/MRI. The frequency of follow-up varies according to the severity of the disease.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Treatment<\/span><\/td>\n | If there is no significant stenosis or regurgitation in the valve, regular follow-up may be sufficient. Interventional or surgical treatment may be required when advanced valve disease or severe aortic enlargement develops.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Surgical Treatment<\/span><\/td>\n | Aortic valve repair or replacement may be performed together with repair or replacement of the ascending aorta when necessary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Interventional Treatment<\/span><\/td>\n | Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be considered in some appropriately selected patients. However, due to BAV anatomy, it may not be suitable for every patient.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Complications<\/span><\/td>\n | Aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, heart failure, rhythm disorders, infective endocarditis, aortic aneurysm, and aortic dissection.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Lifestyle Recommendations<\/span><\/td>\n | Avoiding smoking, maintaining good blood pressure control, following cardiology recommendations regarding regular exercise, and not neglecting regular check-ups are recommended.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Exercise<\/span><\/td>\n | In mild cases, most people can continue their normal activities. Heavy weightlifting and high-intensity sports may be restricted in people with severe valve disease or significant aortic enlargement.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Pregnancy<\/span><\/td>\n | In women with BAV, it is important to evaluate valve functions and aortic diameter before pregnancy. Pregnancy may pose a high risk in those with significant aortic enlargement and requires close follow-up.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Family Screening<\/span><\/td>\n | Evaluation of first-degree relatives with echocardiography may be recommended because the disease may show familial characteristics.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | When Should Emergency Care Be Sought?<\/span><\/td>\n | Emergency medical evaluation is required if sudden and severe chest or back pain, fainting, sudden shortness of breath, altered consciousness, or signs of stroke develop.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Prognosis<\/span><\/td>\n | Quality of life and long-term outcomes are generally good in patients who are regularly monitored and treated promptly when necessary. However, lifelong cardiology follow-up is important because valve disease or aortic enlargement may progress.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n | |