Bicuspid Aortic Valve

[Carly_B]

Hi heart community,

I have recently been diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. It seems that everything is functioning well. However after a lot of googling (never a good idea!) it would seem that there is limited information relating to how my heart will cope with exercise. I completed the stress test with flying colours but that is because I normally do a lot of exercise so ordinarily this wouldn't pose a problem to me so it may be that my results aren't showing a true reflection of what is going on.

I wondered if there are any studies with bicuspid valves and exercise or if anyone was planning on conducting one that I could be a part of?

Thanks,

Carly x

[StevepH2012]

Hi Carly,

Like you I discovered I am BAV having been very 'sporty for 40 years. This was nearly 5 yrs ago, at which time I can honestly say I had no symptoms (of heart disease).

After scans etc my BAV was deemed mild stenosis but I have aortic aneurysm. The extent of aneurysm is what carries most risk - if it becomes too large intervention becomes the answer.

For now, talk to your cardio doctor, learn about your condition and use forums like this. Everyone is different, but I have only recently been advised - due to increasing size of aneurysm, not BAV, - to avoid 'explosive' exercise (sudden heavy lifting etc.) and I continue to go ski-ing each year. My athletic ability was never obviously limited by the BAV.

Btw - I've not seen any research/studies of sort you mention.

Steve H

[Carly_B in reply to StevepH2012]

Hi Steve, thanks so much for replying! That’s reassuring to know, thank you. At this stage I have been told everything else is working well and I don’t need to go back for 5 years and to carry on as normal 😊 I just need to keep an eye on it and if I faint or feel unwell again I need to go back. I hope that your adaptations mean you get to still enjoy everything that you once did (CrossFit is overrated anyway 😉) and I hope that everything stays well for you. Appreciate your comment, thank you. Carly