Greg's Profile

Cliff notes: 41 year old male living in the US. Bicuspid aortic valve with an ascending aortic aneurysm (5.1cm). In 2017 I went to the doctor because I was experiencing a fluttery feeling in my chest, like my heart was skipping a beat. After running a battery of tests, including an echo, I was diagnosed with PVCs (premature ventricular contractions). It was mentioned in the echo notes that I may have a bicuspid aortic valve. The doctor skimmed over the possible BAV and said it wasn't a big deal. All that was recommended was to have someone listen to my heart yearly to make sure the valve was working properly. Fast forward to July 2021. I moved cities and established care with a new primary care physician. I was in good health, had no symptoms, but I did mention my history of PVCs and possible BAV. The doctor ordered an echo to check up on things which was completed in August 2021. I knew something was amiss during the echo because of the line of questioning I received from the tech administering the echo. Less than 24 hours later I had the results and there it was - ascending aortic aneurysm measured at 5.1cm and a bicuspid aortic valve. After the diagnosis I went down the Google rabbit hole and it became fairly obvious surgery would be in my future sooner rather than later. I did some leg work and set up a consultation with a local surgeon and one with Cleveland Clinic. I ended up picking Cleveland Clinic for my procedure. I am scheduled for a hemiarch repair of my ascending aortic aneurysm. All tests seem to indicate my BAV is in great shape, and if possible the valve and root will be spared during the surgery. Once they dig in you never know, so fingers crossed. Ultimately I do need to make a decision on what kind of valve I would like should it come to that during surgery. I'm going to struggle with that choice right up until they wheel me into the operating room.