Erica's Profile

I am a 35 yr old married mother of two. I am recently diagnosed with BAVD and aortic stenosis. I've known since my teens that I have a murmur. While pregnant with my first child I began to have shortness of breath and frequent heart palpitations. I went to the doctor with my concerns. I had my first of 2 echocardiograms. I was told I was born with an "abnormal aorta valve" and that I might need valve replacement surgery in my 70s, but that it was nothing to worry about. I was not referred to a cardiologist nor was I diagnosed with bavd. Luckily, a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic heard how bad my murmur is and insisted I have another echocardiogram. This is when I was finally referred to a cardiologist and diagnosed with BAVD and aortic stenosis. My surgery is next month.