He has mild AS and AR and is otherwise asymptomatic. Your responses mean a lot to myself and no doubt others on this forum. Celebrities With Heart Disease - Celebrity Heart Health Survivors I was just curious if there any way to know if my valve is affecting my times at all? Yet Im personally aware of a good number of athletes whove returned to endurance sport after operations of various sorts for BAV,presumably after discussion with their doctors. I am concerned about removing the coronary arteries and re attaching them again etc. Related posts: Several contemporary elite triathletes have BAV and Ive written about their stories in: Examples from other sports would include Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others. I went through the regiment of meds that are prescribed post AFIB. How much worse does it have to get before it should be replaced? Youve got the right idea, though. And now my aortic root is 42 mm. September 13, 2017 1:00 PM. Then, a Dacron fabric tube can be used to reconstruct the aorta, in a so-called valve-sparing aortic root replacement. I would just like to share my experience of having a Aortic Valve replacement. Aortic stenosis will limit athletic performance at the top end. Arnold Schwarzenegger Test Drives New Aortic Valve on Cleveland 2. As I train triathlon I check my heart every year and there is small back flow (the same last 5 years). My last CT scan in November showed a change from 4.3 (May) to 4.5 (November) however I was only given these results yesterday. There are 2 broad categories of heart valve substitutes that can be used to replace the human aortic valve: mechanical valves or bioprosthetic (tissue) valves. I was to the understanding that the aneurysms caused in bav patients was due to the problematic bav valve causing uneven blood flow to cause uneven pressure on the aorta. The confusing thing I hear is some cardiologists telling BAV people not to life over x lbs. Want to get a head start on your Oscar predictions? The congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) condition is a valvulo-aortopathy with substantial heterogeneity in its clinical expressions, associated disorders, complications, and prognosis. But I recognize that not all cardiologists or heart surgeons would agree. Celebrities with Bicuspid Aortic Valve - Diseasemaps 4.2cm dilated aortic root One young man's complications from a bicuspid aortic valve were life-threatening, but perseverance and expert care helped him make it through. He just turned 15 he is 511 203 lbs and has a heart of gold. Defects can involve the walls or valves of the heart, or they may affect the arteries and veins near the heart. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Patients with BAV who have a normal size aorta, with no stenosis or regurgitation of the aortic valve, can participate in sports without restriction. no symptoms yet please help. I do think that aspects of the martial arts are strength-related. A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital heart defect that affects the one-way valve between your heart and your aorta, known as the aortic valve. This is thought to occur at a rate of about 0.1% per year in adults. Monica Lewinsky: 25 Randoms on the 25th Anniversary of the Bill Clinton Calamity. There is not much scientific evidence about what to expect. Kinda like a marathon but it will take me at least 9 hours. Thank you so much. Is operation needed? This is ridiculous. 3 In the most common type (type 1), there is a fusion line between the left and right coronary cusps, which extends a variable distance from the commissure (the point of attachment of the . Do you think the jiu-jitsu (e.g. My question here is what is the damage I can cause to my heart, mechanical valve, if I keep my heart rate at hi intensity levels? Its always good that investigators are looking for new solutions to old problems. I dont doubt there is variability in recovery among athletes who have operation for AVR and aortic replacement. Danny. Seek different pediatric cardiologist/hospital (we have not seen a cardiologist yet)? Many athletes with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) may continue to participate in their sports.provided there are no other problems, either with the aortic valve or nearby aorta. I have had three annual Echocardigrams, the first two showed mild stenosis, mild LV thickening. Im hoping you can help with some guidance. It will probably take a visit with a surgeon (who has all of the pertinent details) to outline the possibilities for you. As a consequence, these individuals develop earlier calcification of the valve leaflets, leading to narrowing, or stenosis. i.e. I found myself in emergency surgery 12 months ago with 50% leakage, an enlarged heart and an ejection fraction of 30. Hi Dr Creswell, eventually was told everything was ok. The procedure was performed at the Cleveland Clinic. Perhaps that info will give you some basis for discussion with your cardiologist and surgeon regarding the type of valve that is used for your re-replacement. Since he had to stop playing.. depression has set in. This gives a chance for the sternum, which was split during the operation, to heal completely. Still no stenosis or regurgitation, aorta now 35 mm, he is 6 ft, 150 pounds. People can live normal lives with Congenital Heart Defects. 5 months ago was diagnosed with severe AR and 5 cm long aneurism (root 3.0 cm, sinusi valsave 4.3cm, ST 3.6cm, ascending aorta 3.6cm) on regular yearly checkout, with no syptoms. Like you, I have been frustrated by the lack of experience and information that the cardiology community has for folks like us, although it is encouraging to read everyones posts here and see that we are not alone. As a result, the valve doesn't function perfectly. Replacement? Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease does not usually cause symptoms. Ive been affected by heart disease practically my whole life, she said. Like I said, peoples experiences are all different. The exact cause of aortic enlargement in patients is not known. Look forward to your reply and thanks for your time. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to compare procedural and 30-day outcomes after TAVI between type 0 and type 1 BAV . However, randomized, controlled trials have excluded bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is the most frequent congenital heart disease occurring in 1% to 2% of the total population and representing at least 25% of patients 80 years of age or older referred for aortic valve replacement. I love running. I think hes amazed by what I have described for my workouts of 65+ mile rides several times a week. Benefits: long-term durability. Hi . I have been given no restriction to date in any physical exercise as my valve is in decent condition. Maybe thats not surprising, given that Im a heart surgeon and that many individuals with BAV need operation at some point. Jeff/Doc, Im not a nurse or anyone who can help in any real way, she told PEOPLE, fighting back tears. While I no longer due very strenuous activities, I still play softball, golf, kayak, ski, and do play hockey every now and again. The bicuspid aortic valve opens and closes abnormally, and can result in leaking of the valve. Im 32 years old and didnt expect at all that my aorta would dilate. Normal great vessel size Well, as it happens, the Cleveland Clinic has been recently rated the top heart hospital in the nation, and the number two hospital overall. 24 HOUR GYM Medical therapy may be useful to slow or halt the progression of aortic valve disease and aortic enlargement by reducing the blood pressure and the blood pressure across the aortic valve. But Ill check it as soon as possible. The numbness/tingling has me constantly worriedand the slight chest pains have me always thinking is that my BV or Aorta causing issues?. My aorta diameter is 4.0 cm and has increased by 0.8 cm (from 3.2 cm) in the past 5 years so the diameter is increasing rapidly. Given that risk, the current American guidelines recommend screening those children with echocardiogram to identify affected children. However, my problem is that if I can train at this pace then I can still run but I certainly cant compete! As of Monday, my BP at the echo appointment read 115/66. Some people with bicuspid aortic valve will have symptoms in early childhood. This can be a life-threatening problem and is more apt to occur with progressive enlargement of the aorta and with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The risk of BAV in children of parents with BAV is probably about 10%. I have read that strength training is beneficial for heart health. Could you express your opinion on this issue? And, if so, how did things go? Heart failure, where the heart weakens from working too hard to pump blood. Thank you sincerely for your time and information. When I had my valve replaced I was told that it would have a 20 year ish life but I think it should exceed that. I have found your article(s) very useful amongst what I see as so much mis-information out there. My cardiologist Said to not lift heavy weights. After the scans, ultrasounds, stress tests and TOE, I was diagnosed with BAV with no Stenosis, no Aortopathy and no evidence of Coarct and normal LV size and function. Celebrity. Aortic valve regurgitation: Blood leaks back into your left ventricle instead of only flowing into your aorta. The other theory is that there is a structural problem that leaves the aortic wall weak. I dont believe this has been well studied. Instead, even with continued sports participation, the progression of both valvular and aortic disease is no different from that in the general population. Pathology. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. Im not sure how you should best sort out the differing recommendations from your doctors. I do not feel any of the effect of my condition when I run or workout. The procedure has the potential to bring the aorta to 4.3/4.4 and avoid further enlargement. Im really wondering at what point should I look into flying back to Thailand or Hong Kong to get re-checked. Have been told to keep away from exercises that strain me, ie heavy weights. Many congenital heart defects cause few or no symptoms. In 2017, there were 3,046 deaths due to rheumatic valvular heart disease and 24,811 deaths due to non-rheumatic valvular heart disease in the United States. Barbara Walters - Aortic Valve Replacement. The doctor said she would see if she could talk about his case with the surgical panel but she said even if he did have surgery he couldnt have a career in sports??? Aortic Valve Regurgitation | 8 Causes, Does It Worsen, & Prognosis Your situation is complicated.and it wont be possible to give a complete answer here without additional information. In some cases, the aortic valve can be repaired and the enlarged aorta can be replaced with a Dacron tube. The current guidelines suggest that sports activities do not need to be restricted for patients with BAV who have no valve regurgitation/stenosis and who have no enlargement of the nearby aorta. Running it is important for me but if it has a problematic effect , I would opt for power walking and my valve is working quite well (mild aortic regurgitation). Semilunar valves: The pulmonary valve and aortic valve. Would you recommend taking beta-blockers at this stage? My son is 12 years old. I am riding my 3 rd anual Belgian Waffle Ride today. Historically, a heart murmur was the most common reason affected individuals were identified. No LV chamber chamber dialiation, normal LV wall thickness, good LC systolic function, No regional LV wall motion abnormality. Your web site and the links have much good information. Alternatively, bicuspid aortic valve symptoms can appear during the first twenty years of life. They all underwent aortic valve replacement. This can lead to stretching apart of the valve leaflets and leakage at the valve, known as regurgitation. Last few weeks Im getting chest pain on left side (very rarely on right side) while running and doing push ups. My son will be 16 next month. They wont repair my aneurysm unless it was 55mm during surgery or 60mm before surgery. Arnold Schwarzenegger opted against a mechanical valve replacement and chose a tissue valve because he felt a mechanical valve might limit his physical activity and capacity to exercise. Individuals with BAV can develop progressive narrowing or obstruction of the valve, leaking of the valve, and . I say this based on the fact different exercises will allow for differrent weight tolerances than others, in addition, stronger people can handle more weight than others. Your sons doctors are undoubtedly experts at pediatric patients. I know I will need it replaced. I was diagnosed with BAV about four years ago now by fluke whilst looking into my high blood pressure (I was only 24 at the time so I underwent a lot of testing due to my age and HBP the conclusion was it is hereditary, with many members of my family with HBP). Always best to heed the advice of your doctor(s) who will be in the best position to offer advice about safe forms of exercise. I just need to know if these sports are a possibility (im pretty sure football is a no given its contact nature). Now I wanted to start again (also due to the 8kg I accumulated in the meanwhile:( ) and I discovered that I can barely run 5K in 30 min and I generally find it very difficult to run. Pop Medicine > Celebrity Diagnosis . Hello dear doctor. March 10, 2016 at 1:50 pm. Although bicuspid . Needless to say, the diagnosis was quite overwhelming. From the outside, these people look healthy, and some are, while others are not. The procedure was performed at the Cleveland Clinic. Is it right to declared someone having BAV unfit for the post of a chemist? Consensus guidelines from the Proceedings of the 36th Bethesda Conference recommend: The first recommendation does not include the endurance sports. (Yes, I have been going for regular check-up since in was about 7 years old. Consult your doctor to see if there are any restrictions that would be specific to your case. Replacement of the aortic valve with either a cryopreserved human homograft (the aortic valve from a human cadaver) or with the patients own pulmonary valve results in the least obstruction to blood flow. 2. It would be great to know what happens to groups of patients after AVR and aortic replacement that have returned to their various sports. There have been reports of lingering effects (decreased function of the left or right ventricles) for several days after marathon runs. To me, you know your own body and what you can manage whilst straining as little as possible. And I dont know if my Cardiologist follows the same guidlines, but I dont think hes under the impression that Im any kind of athlete either. Assuming that 2% of the US population has bicuspid aortic valve disease, that is 6,278,281 people. This valve repair option is one that might best be pursued at a center that specializes in this problem. I know what theyre saying and after that I know that I have mixed feelings because I feel depressed about not being active like I used to be, but then I feel selfish as I am not being grateful. However, many people will develop complications from their BAV and may need surgery in their lifetimeeither to repair or replace the aortic valve, the thoracic aorta or both. Fast forward, he is now 13 and we went yesterday for his yearly. I got Edwards magna perimount 25mm bovine AV and Valsava graft for aortic root replacement. I have recently found out that I have aortic regurgitation will soon be needing surgery. These Famous People Survived Congenital Heart IssuesYou Can, Too, On-Site CLIA Certified Laboratory Services, Click here for COVID-19 & Vaccine Information, Actor, body builder and former California Governor, After winning three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, linebacker. 1. Great article! I continued playing hockey routinely until I was in my late twenties. Ive yet to feel like Im back to my previous racing fitness that I once had. Like you point out, its always wise to be vigilant after surgery for things that might be amiss.and get checked out. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dr. Larry Creswell on athletes and heart health. Should I increase amount of weight? The notion is to reduce the number of cycles of heart beat x high blood pressure. At this time, it is not known whether Arnold received the new valve using a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or atranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Nonetheless, I think theres considerable confusion about this condition, in terms of diagnosis, implications for the athlete, and its treatment. I was also advised that it is really the static weight-lifting that could pose a problem. Can BAV cause sudden death incidents in otherwise healthy 40 year old males? Any words you have for us would be greatly appreciated. If so, how quickly? Young Patient Feeling 'Supercharged' After Bicuspid Aortic Valve Surgery Glad to hear that youre recovering, Zdenko. In fact, in some people they can go undiagnosed for years. For healthy individuals who have BAV with no other heart or aortic problems, follow-up imaging with echocardiogram and/or CT could probably be undertaken annually, or perhaps less often once stability is ensured. Its probably not possible to have too much information as you think about your situation. There are certainly athletes whove returned to their sports after valve (and aorta) repair/replacement. Im keeping my heart rate below 150, 160 at most but just for short period of time. More difficult questions relate to what are acceptable sports/exercise if operation is not (yet) needed. Please help me . At approximately three months I became very ill and was diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis. He was just diagnosed with functional BAV due to partial stuck together of two leaflets (out of three, as far as I understand, they are equal). Benefits: no blood thinning (with attendant risks) needed. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is the most common congenital heart defect, as it affects 1.3% of the adult general population . Would this constitute as too much in your opinion ? I have had scans and echos for as long as I can remember and have never been on medication nor has this condition stopped me from doing anything I have wanted. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. I asked my surgeon and also the echocardiographist about my sports performance after full recovery, about 6 months after the surgery. After the first month, patients are generally allowed to return gradually to all of their previous activities. Do you have any info or recommendations about this? Women are 50 percent more likely to be given a wrong diagnosis after a heart attack and are at a greater risk of dying within a year of a heart attack than men. Will I need surgery? "Heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans, the number one killer of African-Americans and the number one killer of women, so I shouldve been put on notice since Im three-for-three. While I do expect to have a replacement done later in life, the repair was the best decision I could have made. How a Fitness Trainer Manages Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease - Men's Health While she ended up being okay, she advised other women to be more cautious. I am young with many years ahead, I dont want to accept this just yet when I know theyre is possibilty of repair. This is such an interesting blog, I wish I had known of it sooner. Obviously, mild to moderate would be somewhere in between. Since you have the ready info about your aortic sizes over time, I will guess that you have a doctor or cardiologist that you are working with. Details of my condition: We see his pediatric cardiologist every 6 months. The Ross procedure borrows your sons pulmonary valve and uses it to replace his aortic valve and aorta. Could he be over-cautious? This blog helped me a lot in my panic days, it put me at ease when I was worrying to much, just to see and to know your enemy and to realize that you are not alone is great help. You have a good understanding of the issues. however I have been getting pain (on the left side of my breast) and chest pain due to lack of oxygen. Search Heart Hospitals For the last 7-8 years I didnt do too much sport (kids, family). . TAVR is a relTively new technology where a new heart valve, shrunk onto a catheter, can be threaded through the bloodstream (usually through a leg artery) to where your current valve sits.and then expanded inside the current valve, pushing it aside. Hes a 30-year-old 8th grade science teacher, a cyclist and outdoorsman, who is chronicling his story with BAVfrom diagnosis, to evaluation, to preparations for upcoming valve replacement surgery. It might be wise to have discussion with your doctor about the particular activities youre concerned about. Hi Larry, Dwayne E. Russell Do you have a congenital heart defect? Enlarged lv 37/58 mm rf 65 fs 36 I have been advised not to run any more marathons or half-marathons, but that I can still compete at up to 10km races. Sadly, we dont have a crystal ball, though to know what the future holds for any particular individual. Star Jones. Also twice a week I try to do 40-minute workouts like planks, pushups and so on (with my bodyweight). Is this the case? Normal function of cardiac valves Others won't have symptoms until adulthood, if ever. Eventually I will need valve replacement. (Or do I just need to train even harder??). Before that, I had never seen a cardiologist ever. lifting a max bench of 150 lbs I was physically examined by a medical board at new Delhi for the post of a chemist in geological servey of India but they declared me unfit as I have BAV . Advances in treatment have allowed many babies with known congenital heart disease to survive well into adulthoodand many people who have congenital heart disease go on to live long, productive lives. I am a keen weightlifter, which is the basis of this post. That is to say, I did up until two months ago. What should I do ? My cardiologist said that sometimes it remains stable and never grows anymore. My surgeon basically said, Lets get you back to living your life. Cardiologists always say take it easy. You would never know meeting these celebrities that they had a CHD. The studies on Irbesartan for Marfans(I dont have Marfans) are showing some positive outcomes; and. There are a lot of variables here, even from the short story youve shared. The surgery was a full success, and the valve is closing really well now. Good to hear that youre doing well. I used to do HIIT and moderate to heavy weight 5 days a week before my physical complications. ( I was much worse though). that suffer from heart valve disease along with a link to the reference story about their heart valve disease and their Twitter handle can be found below: ), the famous American television anchor, suffers from, ), the Olympic Gold Medalist (Soccer) suffered from, ), a comedian and broadcaster, suffers from a. I am now down to seeing my doctors every 3 years or so and have been doing very well. running? Thanks for sharing an update. I am wondering if you know anything about these drugs and how they can impact aortic growth? The incidence of normally functioning bicuspid aortic valves is 0.6% to 0.9%.5 . Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Throughout the years he has played football and basketball. I seen my cardiologist yesterday and this is the first year in 4 years that the aneurysm hasnt grown a mm. Thanks. I was wondering if you could give your opinion on my scenario. Now, five months after surgery Im gradually returning to sport with 5km runs and kettlebell routine, push ups and pull ups (still feeling pressure in breast bone) no heavy lifting. Celebrities with congenital heart disease Details Published: January 27 2016 . Dear Dr. Creswell, Schwarzenegger was born with a condition known as bicuspid aortic valve, in which the heart's main artery, the aorta, has only two cusps instead of three. I was having chest pain and flew to Thailand to see what the issues were and they found I had GERD and Esophagitis. Down side: durabilitythe borrowed valve doesnt last forever; it will deteriorate and need re-replacement at some point. We just saw them in January. Your site has been helpful in provided a sense of peacebut an extra insight would be super encouraging. I would really like for people to not have to experience what I had to experience, she continued. A different set of. Is the biggest risk (from numbness) a over-calcified valve which would cause lack of blood flow? The readers here would love to hear back from you as you work through this. Nwankwo Kanu (@papilokanu), the Olympic Gold Medalist (Soccer) suffered from Aortic Valve Defect. I dont want to do any damage or compromise my homograft as the last surgery was a very difficult recovery. I have no proof this may be causing my less than stellar performance or if perhaps I should have more patience. My cardiologist has told me that, based on how my heart sounds, he doesnt think hell ever have to operate on me. My son at 11 months was diagnosed with BAV. Also I lift weights . No stenosis or regurgitation, aorta 27 mm at the time. Guidelines suggest that athletes with BAV, normal size aorta, and no more than mild aortic regurgitation or stenosis can participate in all sports, without restriction.provided that they do not have an inherited connective tissue disorder like Marfanss syndrome. She advised us we should start to consider surgery but would follow up with us again in 3 months. It can also lead to aortic stenosis , and is more . An article at Endurance Corner about Normann Stadler, A blog post about elite triathletes and heart problems, Aortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), http://www.athletesheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Classification-of-Sports-300217.png, https://academic.oup.com/ejcts/article/50/3/400/2197426, If there is enlargement of the beginning portion of the aorta to greater than 4.0 cm, the individual should have a. Maybe a genewho knows. Replacement is much, much more common. "Schwarzenegger's pulmonic valve was successfully replaced.". At my last evaluation, my aorta measured between 4.3-4.5 cm, depending on where the measurement was taken, and the regergitation was classified in the moderate range. Im followed by a cardiologist who only says not too much weight lifting.. Theo Wargo/Getty. I ran a 1/2 marathon 4 months after my surgery and have been since training for the Philly FULL marathon, which is tomorrow. What a great resource! Obviously, I underwent emergency surgery to replace the aortic valve (Medtronic open pivot mechanical valve) and have the aneurysm repaired with a dacron graft. I would encourage you to have further discussion with your doctor(s) about EXACTLY what forms of exercise are safe. Specifically, Im wondering about inversions like forearm stand, head stand, and hand stand. No thrombus, vegetation were noted Routine endocarditis prophylaxis is . Sbp. With aortic root 39mm. This was 7 months ago. In some cases a particular arrhythmia that is responsible for your feelings of palpitations or light-headedness could be identified.and options for treatment could be presented. What Is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease? They ruled out Marfans syndrome because his aorta was dilating. Very often, the specialists office will make note of the patients problem and make appropriate decisions about whether routine or urgent appointment scheduling is needed. These differences of opinion may be legitimate. New guidelines from 2015 are in accord with your doctors recommendations about vigorous exercise as well as periodic imaging to measure the aorta. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. 2) According to your explanation I rather not do cycling sports, but can I have low intensity sport like cycling or swimming twice a week for 90 minutes each, or 3 times for 60 minutes? I met an old guy once after a run and he described me very well his running experience; he said when I accelerate, Im the only one to know. Interestingly, bicuspid valves are one of the most common forms of heart valve disease. Push for earlier date? Ordinarily, athlete patients with mild degrees of valve regurgitation can continue to participate in their sports. He is certainly expert in the area of drug therapy to reduce the rate of aortic enlargement. You are a very good man. Although bicuspid aortic valves can occur . Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Bicuspid Aortopathy Nomenclature and You already have a cardiologist looking after you.