Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Bicuspid aortic stenosis epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In this condition, instead of three valve cusps, the aortic valve has two cusps which results from the fusing of one of the commissures. Bicuspid aortic stenosis is the most common congenital abnormality of the heart accounting for 5% of congenital heart defects and it occurs in 1-2% of the population. It can be manifested as a murmur and usually has no long term health consequences, but if it does, the manifestation of aortic stenosis occurs 10 years earlier.
Genetics
Genetics
Bicuspid aortic valve has been found to be an inheritable condition, with a demonstrated association with Notch 1.[1] Familial clustering as well as isolated valve defects have been documented. The incidence of bicuspid aortic valve can be as high as 10% to 20% in families affected with the valve problem[2]. Other congential heart defects are associated with bicuspid aortic valve at various frequencies.
Timing of Diagnosis
Timing of Diagnosis
This condition is often undiagnosed until later in life when the person develops symptomatic aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis occurs in this condition usually in patients in their 40s or 50s, an average of 10 years earlier than can occur in people with congenitally normal aortic valves. 30% of cases are diagnosed in adolescence.
Incidence of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease Versus Degenerative Disease Among Patients with Surgical AS
Incidence of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease Versus Degenerative Disease Among Patients with Surgical AS
The congenital bicuspid aortic valve may become calcified, which may lead to half the cases of surgically important pure aortic stenosis in adults, with varying degrees of severity of aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation.
Male Predominance
Male Predominance
Bicuspid aortic stenosis is more common in men than women (3:1 to 5:1).[3]
References
References
- ↑ Garg V, Muth AN, Ransom JF; et al. (2005). “Mutations in NOTCH1 cause aortic valve disease”. Nature. 437 (7056): 270–4. doi:10.1038/nature03940. PMID 16025100.
- ↑ Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Du Marchie Sarvaas GJ, et al. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: should cardiac screening be offered to first-degree relatives?. Heart. Aug 2011;97(15):1228-32.
- ↑ Simard L, Côté N, Dagenais F, Mathieu P, Couture C, Trahan S; et al. (2016). “Sex-Related Discordance Between Aortic Valve Calcification and Hemodynamic Severity of Aortic Stenosis: Is Valvular Fibrosis the Explanation?”. Circ Res. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.309306. PMID 27879282.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]