Bicuspid Valve Disorder

[jamest101]

Hi Guys, I was diagnosed with having a bicuspid valve a few years ago, and I was always told from my consultant not to get tattoos and piercings. Well I have 3 piercings and one of them got infected but it didn’t lead to endocarditis. And I have always wanted tattoos and I am thinking of getting one after my 18th birthday. So not sure if it’s a good or bad decision. Anyone got any thoughts. Thanks

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi James, At 18, I am sure things look different to us oldies. My view is to take the Consultants advice. But you do sound v keen to have one/some.

If you are really fixed on going ahead, perhaps research any ways you can lessen the likelihood of infection. Then make sure you do them!

[Smarticus in reply to Kristin1812]

Hi, since I have several tattoos I would say yes, as long as you go to a proffessional artist and watch for infections... BUT... remember they are for life (unless you get scaring laser or a larger coverup) chose a subject matter that has a personal significance that you will be happy to live with when you are 80. Please no girlfriend names or cartoon characters! HTH

[Mikedabike]

Hi James, a little update from a 62 year old. I was born with a bicuspid valve, however I only found out about it in March of 2019. Prior to that I had never even heard of the condition. I have been lucky enough to lead a very active, fit and healthy life. However when I now look back over my life one thing immediately springs to mind. I was always very susceptible to any infection. If ever there was a cold or flu bug flying around, I would get it. With that in mind I would guess that the condition does make you more susceptible to any type of infection. For the sake of a tattoo, I personally would not take the risk. The only other thing I would add is that almost without exception throughout my life, everyone, and I mean everyone I have ever worked with have who had and a tattoo have regretted it later on in life.

[Nic25]

Hi James, good luck with it all - and advance birthday congratulations too. I also had a bicuspid valve until having an AVR 18 months ago. I too was told that about tattoos and piercings (though I had previously had one ear done anyway). It's as you say because of the risk of an infection getting into the blood and/or endocarditis, neither of which is good. I guess if you're adamant you want to get a tattoo the main thing will be to go to as reputable and safe a tattooist as possible? But also accepting you are taking a risk that, for you, is likely to be higher than for someone who doesn't have a bicuspid valve, irrespective of how high or low a risk it is overall? If it were me I'd tend to err on the side of caution and say listen to the advice of your consultant and best not, but then I have a daughter your age and so am a boringly sensible middle-aged guy! So only you can decide.

But good luck with whatever you decide.

Nic x