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Symptoms

Symptoms of Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease does not usually cause symptoms. However, many people will develop complications from their BAV and may need surgery in their lifetime—either to repair or replace the aortic valve, the thoracic aorta or both. An early indicator of BAV is a heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound caused by the turbulent flow of blood over a diseased heart valve.

Symptoms of BAV, caused by an aortic valve that leaks or does not open completely, include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Heart racing
  • Light-headedness
  • Fainting

Less than five percent of people with BAV will develop complications from the disease. However, complications associated with BAV can be serious and life-threatening, which is why diagnosis and ongoing care by a cardiologist is important.

However, complications associated with BAV can be serious and life-threatening, which is why diagnosis and ongoing care by a cardiologist is important.

Complications of BAV may include:

  • Aortic regurgitation/insufficiency: The aortic valve does not close completely, causing the valve to leak
  • Aortic stenosis: The aortic valve does not open wide enough, causing restricted blood flow
  • Infective endocarditis: Infection of the lining of the heart chambers and the heart valves
  • Aortic aneurysm: Ballooning of the wall of the aorta
  • Aortic dissection: Bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta
  • Coarctation of the aorta: Narrowing of the aorta at some point along its length

Meet the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Team

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a nationally recognized destination for those who require highly specialized cardiovascular care.
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