Aortic bicuspid valve is a type of heart disease. In most cases, the disease begins to manifest itself in people already in adulthood. According to statistics, this pathology is diagnosed in about 2% of the population. The aortic bicuspid valve usually functions without changes in 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.
Description of pathology
Before considering the clinical picture of the disease, it is advisable to delve a little into the anatomy. In a he althy heart, the aortic valve consists of three leaflets that 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 can fail. As a result, two out of three leaflets are fused, which leads to the development of a defect. This pathology in medical practice corresponds to the diagnosis of "bicuspid aortic valve".
The causes of this disease are different, but they are all associated with the intrauterine development of the fetus. The formation of the heart 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 he alth, give up addictions, and avoid stressful situations.
What symptoms indicate illness?
The aortic bicuspid valve is a real discovery for many people. For decades, they can live and not know about the problem, while feeling completely he althy. 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 results in impaired functionality. Then the first signs of the disease appear. What?
The characteristic manifestations of pathology include:
- Sinus tachycardia, which manifests itself as a rapid heartbeat.
- Deterioration of vision.
- Fatigue, weakness throughout the body.
- Strong throbbing in the head. The intensity of this symptom increases when the patient takes a supine position.
- Persistent fainting and dizziness after exercise.
- Discomfort inareas of the heart that are not associated with emotional experiences.
- Severe shortness of breath that initially occurs after exercise, but subsequently accompanies the patient in a calm state.
The above symptoms are typical for patients in adulthood. Bicuspid aortic valve in children practically does not manifest itself, so early diagnosis of the disorder is impossible.
Main causes of cardiac anomaly
As the primary cause of this defect, doctors indicate the impact of negative factors on the body of a pregnant woman during the period when the main systems of internal organs are laid. It can be radiation exposure, infectious diseases, bad ecology. Another predisposing factor is the smoking of the expectant mother. Nicotine adversely 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 aortic bicuspid valve to conduct a full examination immediately after the birth of the child. Timely detection of the disease allows you to prescribe competent treatment, which several times increases the chances of a quick recovery.
Diagnostic Methods
If any signs appear that signal problems in the work of the heart, you must consult a doctor for an examination. Byits results can be used by a cardiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. If the disease proceeds without hemodynamic disturbance, the patient is sent for ultrasound. Ultrasound allows you to assess the clinical picture of the pathological process, the degree of damage and identify the presence of an aneurysm. This is a serious complication that requires surgery. Ultrasound is often supplemented by dopplerography. Based on the results of the medical examination, the doctor prescribes treatment.
Bivalve 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 normal. On the basis of such a diagnosis, young men of military age should receive a deferment from the army. It also provides the right to be transferred to the reserve with the subsequent issuance of a military ID marked "category B, limited fit." If there are no symptoms of regurgitation, the disease is not an obstacle to deferment from military service.
Therapy options
The severity of the symptoms of the disease entirely determines the tactics of treatment. If before the examination the patient had no he alth problems, the body was subjected to intense physical exertion, specific therapy is not required. However, after confirming the diagnosis, the doctor must put him on a dispensary record, which obliges him to take a series of tests several times a year.
An expressed form of pathology requires a different approach. The patient is shown an operation with the installation of a prosthetic aortic valve. Surgery 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 the operation, the patient is prescribed constant medication to reduce blood clotting.
Prognosis for patients and doctors' recommendations
How long can a patient with a diagnosis of "bicuspid aortic valve" live? Treatment by implantation of a prosthesis improves the prognosis of viability in 80% of patients. With significant changes in the functioning of the organ and severe heart failure, one can hope for several years of a carefree life. As a rule, this figure does not exceed the milestone of 2 years.
If the functional pathology does not 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, to walk more in the fresh air. To improve the prognosis of life, experts also advise preventing diseases such as endocarditis and rheumatism.
Bivalve aortic valve and sport
Some patients are concerned about the compatibility of this disease and sports. Doctors cannot give a definite answer, because everything depends on the degree of damage and the severity of the pathological process. Of course, in professional sports, patients with such a diagnosis have no place. Excessive exercise can exacerbatecourse 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, you should consult a doctor and do not ignore his recommendations.
Conclusion
Bivalve aortic valve, the symptoms of which are described just above, is a very serious disease. Timely diagnosis allows you to choose the best treatment tactics. Compliance with all doctor's prescriptions is the key to a positive prognosis and long life.
