Aortic bicuspid valve is one of the varieties of heart disease. In most cases, the disease begins to manifest in people already in adulthood. According to statistics, such a pathology is diagnosed in about 2% of the population. The aortic bicuspid valve usually functions without changing hemodynamics and is not accompanied by disturbances in the functioning of the organ. However, in some cases, due to this disease, an aneurysm develops or aortic stenosis occurs .
Pathology Description
Before considering the clinical picture of the disease, it is advisable to delve a little into the anatomy. In a healthy heart, the aortic valve consists of three valves, which continuously provide blood flow to the organ. During the development of the fetus inside the womb, approximately at the eighth week, the laying of the main muscle begins. However, under the influence of certain factors, this process may fail. As a result, two of the three valves are fused, which leads to the development of vice. The diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve corresponds to this pathology in medical practice.
The causes of this disease are different, but they are all associated with fetal development. The formation of the cardiac system begins at six weeks and ends at the eighth. This period is considered the most dangerous. Any negative factors can negatively affect the laying of various elements of the organ and its vessels. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend that pregnant women in the first trimester pay special attention to their own health, abandon addictions, and avoid stressful situations.
What symptoms indicate a disease?
Aortic bicuspid valve for many people is a real discovery. For decades, they may live and not know about the problem, while still feeling completely healthy. Indeed, pathology usually manifests itself in people already in adulthood. The abnormal structure of the valve over time makes itself felt. It gradually wears out due to excessive load, which as a result leads to impaired functionality. Then the first signs of the disease appear. What kind?
The characteristic manifestations of the pathology include:
- Sinus tachycardia, which manifests itself in the form of a rapid heartbeat.
- Visual impairment.
- Fatigue, weakness throughout the body.
- Strong ripple in the head. The intensity of this symptom increases when the patient takes a lying position.
- Constant fainting and dizziness that occurs after exercise.
- Discomfort in the area of the heart, not associated with emotional experiences.
- Severe shortness of breath, which initially occurs after exercise, but subsequently accompanies the patient in a calm state.
The listed symptoms are typical for patients in adulthood. The bicuspid aortic valve in children practically does not manifest itself, so early diagnosis of the violation is impossible.
The main causes of heart abnormality
As the primary cause of this defect, doctors indicate the impact of negative factors on the pregnant woman during the period when the laying of the main systems of internal organs occurs. This may be radiation exposure, infectious diseases, poor ecology. Another predisposing factor is the smoking of the expectant mother. Nicotine negatively affects the development of the fetus inside the womb. Hereditary predisposition also has a role in the occurrence of the disease. Therefore, doctors strongly advise parents who have previously been diagnosed with an aortic bicuspid valve to conduct a full examination immediately after the baby is born. Timely detection of the disease allows you to prescribe competent treatment, which several times increases the chances of a quick recovery.
Diagnostic Methods
If there are any signs that signal problems in the heart, you must consult a doctor to undergo an examination. According to its results, a cardiologist can make an accurate diagnosis. If the disease proceeds without impaired hemodynamics, the patient is sent for ultrasound. Ultrasound allows you to evaluate the clinical picture of the pathological process, the degree of damage and identify the presence of aneurysm. This is a serious complication that requires surgery. Ultrasound is often supplemented by dopplerography. Based on the results of a medical examination, the doctor prescribes treatment.
Bicuspid aortic valve in adults is sometimes accompanied by regurgitation. This is a serious pathology in which the blood flow moves in the opposite direction to the normal one. On the basis of such a diagnosis, young men of draft age should receive a reprieve from the army. It also provides the right to be credited to the reserve, followed by the issuance of a military card marked "Category B, limited valid." If no symptoms of regurgitation are detected, the disease is not an obstacle to deferment from military service.
Therapy options
The severity of the symptoms of the disease completely determines the tactics of treatment. If before the examination the patient had no health problems, the body was subjected to intense physical exertion, specific therapy is not required. However, after confirming the diagnosis, the doctor must put it on the dispensary record, which obliges several times a year to take a number of tests.
A different approach requires a pronounced form of pathology. The patient is shown surgery with the installation of an aortic valve prosthesis. Surgical intervention does not involve open manipulations on the chest. Modern techniques allow you to install the prosthesis through the skin. The implant is inserted through the subclavian or femoral artery. After surgery, the patient is prescribed continuous medication to reduce blood coagulation.
Forecast for patients and recommendations of doctors
How long can a patient diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve live? Treatment with implant implantation increases the prognosis of viability in 80% of patients. With significant changes in the work of the organ and severe heart failure, one can hope for several years of carefree life. As a rule, this figure does not exceed the milestone of 2 years.
If the pathology does not functionally affect the rhythm of life, doctors recommend avoiding nervous strain and stressful situations. In addition, it is necessary to observe the regime of work and rest, walk more in the fresh air. To improve the prognosis of life, experts also advise on the prevention of diseases such as endocarditis and rheumatism.
Bicuspid aortic valve and sport
Some patients are concerned about the compatibility of this disease and sports. Doctors cannot give a definite answer, because it all depends on the degree of damage and the severity of the pathological process. Of course, patients with such a diagnosis do not belong in professional sports. Excessive exercise can exacerbate the course of the disease and lead to irreversible consequences. Given the hereditary nature of the disease, it can be diagnosed at the age of 10-15 years. Therefore, parents, knowing about such a diagnosis, should periodically take the child for examination. Deviations in the work of the cardiac system are a contraindication to sports. In this case, it is better to opt for the least traumatic options (yoga, Pilates). In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor and not ignore his recommendations.
Conclusion
The bicuspid aortic valve, the symptoms of which are described just above, is a very serious disease. Timely diagnosis allows you to choose the optimal treatment tactics. Compliance with all the doctor's prescriptions is the key to a positive prognosis and long life.