Or its the result of the cumulative effect of the aortic and mitral valve leakage? I had AVR exactly 1 year ago to the date. At 4.0 cm, its important to be thoughtful about activities. While I do not work out regularly, my job as a construction worker is somewhat strenuous. We use surveillance (you mention every 6 months) because usually problems with progressive enlargement of the aorta or with the valve itself can be picked up before there is any lasting harm. Replacement of the aortic valve with either a cryopreserved human homograft (the aortic valve from a human cadaver) or with the patients own pulmonary valve results in the least obstruction to blood flow. Yes, there are many athlete patients whove had operation for BAV/aortic replacement and returned to a variety of sports. Operation is needed if there is severe aortic valve stenosis, severe valve regurgitation, or significant enlargement of the aorta. Susp. A week after he made the varsity team as a freshman he was told by the doctor he couldnt play. Congenital heart issues affect approximately 40,000 people born each year in the U.S. and are one of the most common types of birth defects. (Or do I just need to train even harder??). Athletes in this circumstance should collect opinions from their doctor(s) and make very careful considerations before returning to exercise. I do think that this condition can weigh heavily on patients minds, though, and in your case perhaps particularly so because of the experience of your mother. Dublin teen to compete in Irish Dancing World Championships after heart I didnt get it.". Apparently this can work better than Losartan? My consultant informed me that, because of my age, I would have a mechanical valve fitted which meant that I would be on warfarin for life and therefor not be able to play football. How long does it take for the homograft to completely heal? I am followed every 2 years. Guidelines suggest that athletes with BAV, normal size aorta, and no more than mild aortic regurgitation or stenosis can participate in all sports, without restriction.provided that they do not have an inherited connective tissue disorder like Marfan's's syndrome. John Ritter - Actor - passed away due to undiagnosed CHD at age 55. BAV only has mild regurgitation. The various artificial valves are a little bit less efficient that the valve were born with. 5 months ago was diagnosed with severe AR and 5 cm long aneurism (root 3.0 cm, sinusi valsave 4.3cm, ST 3.6cm, ascending aorta 3.6cm) on regular yearly checkout, with no syptoms. Im keeping my heart rate below 150, 160 at most but just for short period of time. Over the past 3 years, my endurance has declined significantly, and now I cannot run a lap on the treadmill without some walking; however, my numbers from the semi-annual utrasound have not changed much. Im a 42 year old male and have been a highly competitive distance runner since high school. Dr. Creswell, I have appointment with a cardiologist on Friday but in the meantime i would like to know weather in case of surgery a replacement of the valve is definitely necessary or my condition still allows some options for a surgery without replacement. I eat relatively well, but sometimes having those pizzas and burgers late at night I had to change that.. Thats always the concern with new techniques with limited follow-up data. No stenosis or regurgitation, aorta 27 mm at the time. I would pose these questions to your doctor(s) since they are most familiar with the details of your situation. Finding this site is such a relief / source of hope for me thanks so much Dr. Larry!. My heart seems to heal, so that speaks well for my future.. Im hoping you can help with some guidance. Perhaps the best course of action might be to start off very conservative with exercise, as you are doing, with periodic assessment of the aortic valve and aorta with echo and CT. You might then gradually increase the activity and monitor for any bad signs with the periodic echos and CTs. Glad to hear that youre recovering, Zdenko. Substitute valves. Most patients (like me), however, start to experience problems during their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Frontiers | Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Sievers Type 0 Also I seemed to get quite sweaty the following hours after a hard training session. The problem is I have developed an aneurysm on my ascending aorta of 44mm. These are the data I got in my last MTB race. 1. In practice, the indications for aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis or severe aortic regurgitation are straightforward and uncontroversial. I will keep you posted. In general, we recommend no weight lifting in patients with BAV if the aortic diameter is greater than 4.0 cm. Hi, Fantastic website, there is very little actual information on this on the web. We are wondering is there a science to knowing when he should have the surgery? I do think that aspects of the martial arts are strength-related. Currently complete in 5-a-side football and have done for life. Finally, many patients are able to return to their sports after successful operation. What are my chances of being able to go back to marathon running after surgery? Me, i`m nearly 43, male and have BAV. Today, echocardiography (ultrasound) for screening or diagnostic purposes for some other heart problem is the most common way that BAV is detected. Now, fully healed thanks to two stents in her arteries, Lucci is spreading the word. The current guidelines suggest that sports activities do not need to be restricted for patients with BAV who have no valve regurgitation/stenosis and who have no enlargement of the nearby aorta. Im not aware of studies explicitly about athletes after Ross procedure for BAV. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is the most common congenital heart defect, as it affects 1.3% of the adult general population . I knew none of this until a year ago. Schwarzenegger's Aortic Valve Replacement | MedPage Today Look forward to your reply and thanks for your time. How severe are the problems? Its now 8 months after surgery and Im pretty much back in my every day life, was even granted to attend my pilot medical tests which are due in 2 weeks. I have normal aortic size, mildly dilated aortic sinus (39 cm), and trace aortic regurg. Less 100mmhg. These Famous People Survived Congenital Heart IssuesYou Can, Too In January 2021, she underwent open heart surgery to install an aortic valve. Questions about Bicuspid Aortic Valve!! : r/AskDocs Consensus guidelines suggest restricting activities in athletes with BAV and aortic diameter >4.0 cm. As of Monday, my BP at the echo appointment read 115/66. Your sons cardiologist would seem to be in the best position to offer specific advice. However, randomized, controlled trials have excluded bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is the most frequent congenital heart disease occurring in 1% to 2% of the total population and representing at least 25% of patients 80 years of age or older referred for aortic valve replacement. Im 33 and I do jiu-jitsu. I asked my surgeon and also the echocardiographist about my sports performance after full recovery, about 6 months after the surgery. Depending upon the size of the prosthetic valve, there is so e built-in obstruction to blood flow that is e aggregated during exercise. At the USC Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute, we are dedicated to improving the statistics concerning cardiovascular and thoracic disease such as those once faced by the governor, said Starnes, who also serves as executive director of the Institute. Not sure I have something specific to suggest for additional reading.and I dont know where to steer you about a knowledgeable trainer in the UK. Almost 15 years ago skilled surgeons replaced my aorta valve with a new replacement valve. 2. If the valve is smaller than needed, there can be a limit to the ability of the heart to do extra workand that can show up as less speed. I see my cardiologist the end of May. mod-severe regurgitation The doctor said it wasnt serious, but that I should keep watch on it every year. Again, thank you and bless you for taking the time to talk with us here! BAV was diagnosed in 196 newborns (prevalence, 0.77%), with a male-female ratio of 2.1:1. On March 30, 2018, we learned that Arnold Schwarzengger required a second heart surgery. The only prudent course is to have periodic follow-up imaging to keep track of size/growth. Bicuspid aortic valve | Radiology Reference Article - Radiopaedia I know it can be frustrating when you get conflicting opinions regarding the safety of exercise. Im highly considering this option, after 4 months of research and appointments with doctors. In 1997, Schwarzenegger underwent heart valve surgery to correct his heart defect. Is operation needed? I can imagine it might be difficult to make arrangements when you live in one country and your doctor(s) work in another. This can lead to stretching apart of the valve leaflets and leakage at the valve, known as regurgitation. There can be issues with aches and pains even months after operation that still relate to healing. Benefits: long-term durability. Some people with bicuspid aortic valve will have symptoms in early childhood. 2) According to your explanation I rather not do cycling sports, but can I have low intensity sport like cycling or swimming twice a week for 90 minutes each, or 3 times for 60 minutes? Great to hear that youre doing cross country running. Im really wondering at what point should I look into flying back to Thailand or Hong Kong to get re-checked. I am young with many years ahead, I dont want to accept this just yet when I know theyre is possibilty of repair. Probably a bicuspid aortic valve but there are many other possibilities Reply Thanks for sharing your sons story. On said it wont make a real difference, the other said oh yes, that was like a blockage, you will feel the difference. A bicuspid aortic valve only has two of these leaflets. Bicuspid Aortic Valve - Cleveland Clinic I am healthy, strong, and active. My AVG HR on a daily basis is between 61-64 (that includes a workout where it exceeds 150 at times), I have no intentions of racing this marathon, simply crossing the FINISH line, and my heart rate will not exceed 150 I will walk when/if necessary. Finally some solid information about exercise and life post AVR, thank you very much for that. I do not know aorta measurements. Arrhythmias may sometimes manifest many years after surgical repair of congenital heart defects. I am now in no mans land of not needing immediate surgery (per the pressure number in left ventricle) and not being able to run more than 30 min. Really helpful. Over time, there will be some patients who develop problems with the prosthetic heart valve or enlargement of some portion of the aorta (that hasnt already been replaced) that requires operation. For athletes who return to sport after AVR and aortic replacement, its important to settle on whats safe with your doctor(s) ahead of time. I get the fact that lifting excessively can cause a spike in blood pressure, but only under certain conditions (i.e. Hope to hear back soon. There is recent interest and experience with aortic valve repairinstead of replacementfor patients with BAV. Get your act together, Columbus! If so, youre far from alone. In both echocardiographic cohorts and surgical series, pure aortic regurgitation is significantly less common than stenosis. Is there anything we can do? I now take diltiazem daily. While I recovered from surgery just fine, my return to my normal activity levels has been hampered by recurring arrhythmias, muscle atrophy during recovery, medication,and general inability to exert myself like I could prior to surgery. I used to run a lot. I am 18 now, and I am interested in weight lifting. Yes, moderate aortic root dilation can remain stable. Thus far shes had only minor bruising (shes 6ft and has a solid build). Okay to wait? Looking through the reader comments here at the blog and reflecting on the athlete inquiries Ive received, I thought Id cover some of the major issues. My cardiologist (London Heart Hospital) gave me green light to moderate sport activities (no marathon and weight lifting). The pitfall, though, is that our native aortic valve is itself very efficient. Website designed by Gatorworks. Is it possible that the valve will get loose? Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Healthgrades There is not much scientific evidence about what to expect. May 11, 2010 -- Barbara Walters said on Monday that her upcoming heart surgery, a procedure known as an aortic valve replacement, will hopefully correct a problem of which . Do you opration? Bicuspid Aortic Valve Symptoms | Northwestern Medicine Unfortunately his cardiologist took that from him so he focused his energy and talent on basketball. Im 52 years old and had surgery 2.5 years ago to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm (5.8 cm) and aortic tissue valve replacement. Stress echo revealed hypercontractile with normal response in all LV segments, no LV cavitary dialiation. Now I take brisk walks and run on the treadmill only occasionally. While she ended up being okay, she advised other women to be more cautious. Garth was already familiar with heart diease before her diagnosis because it runs in her family. Having a congenital heart defect means you are born with a problem with the heart's structure. Im not a nurse or anyone who can help in any real way, she told PEOPLE, fighting back tears. I cant thank you enough for your responses to all the above questions. when I discussed this with my Dr. he reassured me that its not my heart causing it. Thank you so much for all of this insightful information. "I had many of them, but I thought, 'Nah.' To me, you know your own body and what you can manage whilst straining as little as possible. Bicuspid Aortic Disease | Cedars-Sinai Who Has BAV? - bicuspidfoundation.com Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. Finally, athletes are not spared. Aortic stenosis will limit athletic performance at the top end. However, my most recent scan in October revealed all Stenosis and LV thickening had gone completely (Doctor said this was a very positive result perhaps due to excercise and medication). It is believed that Schwarzenegger had a bicuspid aortic valve which led to a Ross Procedure operation performed in 1997. No changes in regurgitation status (aortic regurgitation LVOT 19%); The aortic root is moderately dilated (max 46mm sinus to opposite commissure but you can measure 48off axis). with valve area of 1.4 cm2 and aorta of 4.1 cms In 1997, Dr. Starnes led a team of three surgeons who replaced the aortic valve in then-actor Arnold Schwarzeneggers heart. They all cause a small bit of obstruction to blood flow as it leaves the heart. 2. With aortic dissection, the aorta can develop a tear on its inside wall, leading to unraveling of its layers, and even rupture. Hi all, Zdenko . It usually consists of three flaps of tissue what are called valve cusps. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and congenital aortic stenosis are two types of heart defects that may be present at birth. It is very difficult to find information regarding the athlete and BAV. The aortic valve lies between the heart and the aorta, the main artery . You didnt mention your age, but obviously youd hope that whatever operation is performed.lasts a lifetime. Rest pulse (70 bpm|50 bpm) , Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease, Acquired Valve Disease. When he was 7 we noticed his heart racing at age 11 his bicuspid aortic valve was diagnosed We have been told his valve is at the top of the normal size chart. We live at 6,500 ft (elevation) so Im not sure if its affecting my blood pressure when doing normal things. Thanks for sharing your experience, Randy. Up until this time shes played volleyball, basketball and has even run track in elementary. Push for earlier date? He was just diagnosed with functional BAV due to partial stuck together of two leaflets (out of three, as far as I understand, they are equal).