Is a bicuspid valve considered heart disease?

Bicuspid aortic valve is a type of heart disease that you’re born with (congenital heart disease). The aortic valve separates the left lower heart chamber (left ventricle) and the body’s main artery (aorta).

Is a bicuspid valve a congenital heart disease?

BAV is a congenital condition (present at birth). It’s often inherited, which means it can be passed down by family members. A bicuspid valve is usually diagnosed soon after birth by a pediatric cardiologist.

Can you live a long life with a bicuspid aortic valve?

Many people can live with a bicuspid aortic valve for their entire life, but there are those who may need to have their valve surgically replaced or repaired. When people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve, the bicuspid valve typically functions well throughout childhood and early adulthood.

What happens when the bicuspid valve is leaky?

Over time, this can damage the heart muscle. Sometimes, the bicuspid aortic valve is leaky. That allows blood to flow back into the heart when the heart relaxes, instead of flowing forward into the body the way it should. This process is called aortic regurgitation. It can also make the heart work harder.

Can a person be born with a bicuspid aortic valve?

People may also be born with one (unicuspid) or four (quadricuspid) cusps, but these are rare. A bicuspid aortic valve may cause the heart’s aortic valve to narrow (aortic valve stenosis).

How many flaps does bicuspid aortic valve disease affect?

But a person with a bicuspid aortic valve has only two leaflets (also known as flaps or cusps). This can lead to life-threatening problems. The most common congenital heart condition, bicuspid aortic valve disease affects about 1 to 2 percent of the population, says Bo Yang, M.D.,…

What are the different types of leaking heart valves?

Leaking Heart Valves can be of The Following Types: Congenital Valve Disease – it is an abnormality which develops before birth. It can be due to irregular size or malformed leaflets. Congenital leaky valves can be of two types: Bicuspid aortic valve disease – this condition affects the aortic valve.