Overview

What Is Bicuspid Aortic Valve?

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disorder, affecting approximately one to two percent of people. It is at least twice as likely to occur in men as in women. The cause of BAV is not completely clear, but experts believe it develops during the early stages of pregnancy. It can run in families with an estimated prevalence of 10 to 30 percent.

The aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the aorta, and out to the body. Normally, the aortic valve has three leaflets that work to keep blood moving in one direction.

With BAV, two of the three leaflets of the aortic valve fuse during a person's fetal development. This creates a bicuspid or two leaflet valve, instead of the normal tricuspid or three leaflet valve. As a result, the valve does not always function properly, which can cause strain on the heart over time and may lead to serious health complications.

Many patients with BAV also have dilation of the aorta, which is the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. BAV impacts both the aortic valve (which controls the flow of blood into the aorta) and the thoracic aorta.

Many people with BAV will need surgery in their lifetime, either for the valve, the ascending aorta or both. Surgery may be minimally invasive. With some patients, surgeons can repair a leaky valve, but other times, the aortic valve will need to be replaced.