What is Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD)?

What is Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD)?

Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) refers to problems caused by your valve anatomy. When your aortic valve only has two flaps, it may have trouble closing and opening properly.

If your aortic valve doesn’t close tightly enough, it’s called aortic regurgitation. Blood leaks backward from your aorta into your heart.

If your aortic valve doesn’t open wide enough, it’s called aortic stenosis. That means less blood can flow from your heart to nourish the rest of your body.

You might have aortic regurgitation or stenosis for years and not even realize it. You may not feel any symptoms. Your aortic valve does its best to keep getting the job done. It’s just not as efficient as a valve with three flaps. Over time, though, your bicuspid aortic valve makes your heart work harder, and this can lead to serious complications.

In addition, bicuspid aortic valve disease can be associated with dilation of your aorta, particularly around the aortic root, known as an aortic aneurysm.