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Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Open BAV
The opening of a BAV
resembles the open mouth
of a fish, leading to the
term “fish mouth” valve.
BAV, Other Valves, and Problems of the Heart
Mitral and Pulmonary Valves
There may be issues, not just with the aortic valve, but
also with other valves in the heart:
The mitral valve may have weak tissue and begin to leak
(myxomatous changes).
There are also questions about the pulmonary valve, and
whether or not its tissue is affected. It is located in a low-
pressure position in the right heart and may continue to
function well there.
The Coronary Arteries
What is commonly called heart disease is plaque build up
in the coronary arteries. Generally, those with bicuspid
aortic valves are not prone to this plaque build up, and
their coronary arteries remain open. However, bicuspid
aortic valve patients who also are smokers or have
diabetes, high cholesterol, or atherosclerosis may develop
coronary artery blockages.
Other Heart Problems
Sometimes other congenital heart defects may be present,
such as an atrial septal defect (an opening in the wall
between the collecting chambers of the heart).
Also BAV patients may have conduction abnormalities
(electrical conduction, such as an irregular heartbeat).
These conditions require appropriate, comprehensive
diagnosis and treatment for some BAV patients.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Closed BAV
When closed, it may be
difficult to distinguish a
BAV from an aortic valve
with all three leaflets.
Tricuspid Aortic Valve
Closed TAV
A normal aortic valve has
three leaflets or cusps.
Pictured here is a TAV with
the leaflets closed. The
opening of a TAV is shaped
like a triangle.
Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta in those from BAV
families may be enlarged
and balloon out, which is
called an aneurysm.