Take A Guess: What Is The Most Common Congenital Heart Valve Defect?
Ready to take a guess relating to heart valves?
Okay. Here is the question, “What is the most common congenital heart valve defect?”
Want a hint? Leonardo Da Vinci (shown below) was one of the first to call attention to the common problems of this congenital defect over 500 years ago.
Want another hint? This heart valve defect typically impacts the aortic valve of the heart.
Any guesses? Scroll down below Da Vinci’s portrait for the answer.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Here’s Your Answer: According to Dr. Edward J Bayne, MD, from the Emory School Of Medicine, the bicuspid aortic valve is the common congenital abnormality. A congenitally bicuspid aortic valve has two functional leaflets (also known as heart valve flaps) instead of three leaflets.
According to Healthline.com, bicuspid aortic valves are 3-4 times more prevalent in males than females AND account for 50% of the aortic stenosis cases requiring surgery. Click on this link to learn more about bicuspid aortic valves.
To further test your wits, feel free to try these other heart valve questions:
- How many open heart surgeries per year?
- How many mitral valve surgeries per year?
- What is the annual cost of heart valve disease?
- Can you find the four heart valves?
- How long does heart valve surgery take?
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Adam,
I too, have a bicuspid aortic valve that requires replacement. And like you were, I am 33 years old and live a very active lifestyle. I am trying to decide on the type of valve to use, mechanical or Ross Procedure. Can you tell me more about why you opted for the Ross. I have heard some concern that you now have two valves that can potentially have complications. I have also read that at my age, the chances are very high that I would have to have another open heart surgery in my lifetime if I choose the Ross Procedure. I don’t want to live with blood thinners the rest of my life but I am not thrilled about having to go through this type of surgery again. Help!!
Max from New Mexico
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hi Max,
I was 32 when I had my mitral valve replaced with a St. Judes Valve in November of 2003. I was diagnosed with a congenital disease, HOCM-Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. I wish I would have had an option when they decided to replace my valve because I would have choosen differently.
I just saw online a new mechanical valve called On -X @ www.onxlti.com. It might be something to check out ? I also would consider a tissue valve from either a pig or human. I met a women who had a human valve and she was very happy with her choice.
The issue I have with Coumadin is I would rather not have to deal with being a patient every time I have to get my blood checked for my INR levels about every week. But I’m hoping one of those wonderfully big pharmacuetical companies will put a new replacement drug for Coumadin on the market. Hopefully in my life time, the sooner the better. But I am fortunate to still be here today and thankful for my replacement valve.
Good Luck!
Jennifer