Claire's Profile

I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. All my life i have been active, sporty and fit and never took any notice of the heart murmur i was diagnosed with at aged 4. I moved with my family from the UK to Portland, Oregon 11 years ago and after a routine visit to my PCP it was recommended that i have an echo to evaluate this murmur. The bicuspid valve was diagnosed and for the last 10 years i have been seeing a cardiologist and being managed by ACE inhibitors. My last visit back in October of this year showed a considerable change with severe leaking and enlargement of the left ventricle so after a second opinion I am scheduled for valve replacement in January 2012 - the year I turn 50.