Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Bicuspid Aortic Valve: The normal valve should have three leaflets. Sometimes two of the cusps (leaflets) are fused together. People with a bicuspid valve are at increased risk for endocarditis, aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency at a very young age. A secondary finding to a Bicuspid Aortic Valve is Left Ventricle Hypertrophy (thickening of the heart walls). This could lead to the blood being obstructed from leaving the heart and supplying the body with much needed oxygenated blood. People with this condition often show no symptoms. If found early, the valve could be preserved longer by just taking an antibiotic before going to the dentist or before an invasive procedure. If not found at an early age, symptoms usually appear in a person's 20′s or 30′s.