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Warning-sign checks

Bicuspid aortic valve: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up usually continues throughout life, even if the valve works normally when it is first diagnosed.

    The timing of appointments and imaging depends on the amount of stenosis or leakage, aortic measurements, symptoms, and whether previous scans show change.

    Tell your clinician between routine visits if you develop new breathlessness, chest discomfort, reduced exercise ability, fainting, palpitations, or leg swelling.

    Also discuss major changes such as pregnancy planning or starting a strenuous exercise or weight-training program.

    Dental infections should be treated, and routine dental care should continue.

    Tell dentists and other healthcare professionals about any valve replacement, previous endocarditis, or aortic surgery because these details may change procedural planning.

The article also says

Keep copies of echocardiogram, CT, or MRI reports when possible.

It can be helpful to know the size of the aorta, the severity of valve disease, and the date of the next recommended scan.

Blood pressure should be checked regularly.

First-degree relatives may wish to ask their own clinicians whether screening echocardiography is appropriate.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bicuspid aortic valve. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.