Bicuspid aortic valve

[Alisbabas]

Hi all,

when I was carrying my first child at 22 I was told I had a heart murmur then sent off for a echo, doc came back saying I needed antibiotics during labour but never explained why so I left at that. With my second (at 28y) and third child (at 39) this was mentioned to medical staff and nothing was done further.

About 3 months ago I was doing moderate exercise and began having mild chest discomfort and thought nothing of it. One day as I got into my car I had sharp chest pain into my jaw and left arm. I booked into my docs and they referred me to the fast track angina clinic due to family history of angina.

I had a echo then 7 weeks later had an angiogram with a follow up appointment to discuss tests.

I was told I was clear of angina but i had Bicuspid aortic valve with slight enlargement.

They explained as much as they could and said I needed a MRI as I couldn't have another CT due to radiation as on the previous CT they were only looking for angina.

I wasn't really shocked as I always knew I had a murmur but now I've been researching about I have loads of questions.

I asked whether I eventually needed my valve replacing and they said yes.

Can you help with a few questions?

What is the slight enlargement?

Why do I need a MRI if I had a echo?

What do I need to ask next time

Please if anybody could shed some light that would be helpful for my next follow-up!

Cheers

Alison

[MisUse]

I have a bicuspid valve which leaks. An MRI shows things very differently to a Echo, and gives drs a much clearer idea of what is going on. It MAY mean you will need a new valve at some point, but mine was found in 1976and only now it has got to point where I need a new valve so am on waiting list. I would ask if the valve is leaking, and if so what level ie mild, moderate, severe, acute. Be guided by them, and try not to Worry, not easy I know. Valve replacements are very common now. Let us know how you get on

[Pah1]

Hello

I had a bicuspid aortic valve 20 years ago that was replaced with a metal star Edwards valve.

At that time they never knew that having this problem was in fact a hereditary condition!!!!!! However a couple of years ago they realised it was, however no action was taken to tell those who had the condition prior to the recent discovery of a link.

When having a recent hospital procedure I was told “of course you have had your siblings and family checked for the condition”. On this news my children and grandchildren were checked, it was discovered that my 32 year old son had the same condition however, not being treated or known he died during surgery. Get everyone checked now

[Alisbabas in reply to Pah1]

Hi,

Thank you for your responses, I am waiting for an mri but the nurse has booked me in for another echo in 2 years so hopefully mines not too bad yet?

I just need to ask them about the enlargement meaning.

Ali

[gal4God]

A mri gives doctors more info than a echo.