We see his pediatric cardiologist every 6 months. In March 2018 he underwent emergency surgery to have this replacement valve replaced. We have made the decision to stop playing high school soccer and will reevaluate in 6 months to determine about Spring team soccer (less intense). 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. Mild/moderate regurgitation. transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), Mick Jagger's Heart Valve Surgery: Top 5 Facts. I was diagnosed with BAV, with regurgitation, no stenosis, at age 63. My heart seems to heal, so that speaks well for my future.. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. I feel like my HR takes longer to warm up and recovery after races is longer. Many endurance athletes are able to return to their sports after operation for BAV. Down side: durabilitythe borrowed valve doesnt last forever; it will deteriorate and need re-replacement at some point. Periodic re-evaluation with echocardiogram and/or CT scanning is used for most patients in this circumstance. On Ocotber 23, 2020, we learned that Arnold Schwarzenegger had a third heart valve procedure, a re-replacement of his aortic valve replacement. I played competitive amateur football (soccer) on Saturday and Sunday from age 16. Push for earlier date? Does the (unreplaced) aorta enlarge over time? Any person in my family there was no problem with the heart. They are also predisposed to enlargement of the ascending aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood flow away from the heart. Anything you can offer up here would be very much appreciated. I am 26 yera old , I have aortic aneurisem. Want to get a head start on your Oscar predictions? But if you have a bicuspid aortic valve, you only have two cusps. No changes in regurgitation status (aortic regurgitation LVOT 19%); Yes, as the patient grows, so will the aorta.and eventually you get to the traditional >40 mm cutoff where activity restrictions are advised. I used to do quite some running 10 years ago (still at amateur level), I was doing lots of 10k and 20k and even I managed a marathon in 3h:26min (but at that time I didnt know about the BAV). Glad Ive found this website! He had a mild BAV and was told that he can play with no restriction. In some cases, the aortic valve can be repaired and the enlarged aorta can be replaced with a Dacron tube. I excercise 2-3 times a week, namely cardio and weight lifting. My cardiologist said that sometimes it remains stable and never grows anymore. First, youre not alone! Seek different pediatric cardiologist/hospital (we have not seen a cardiologist yet)? In short, I consider myself to be a high level athlete. , Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease, Acquired Valve Disease. Congenital bicuspid aortic valve after age 20 - PubMed This is such an interesting blog, I wish I had known of it sooner. Individuals with BAV can develop progressive narrowing or obstruction of the valve, leaking of the valve, and . That post is a starting point for todays discussion. Down side: must take blood thinners to prevent blood clots from forming on mechanical valve. My son was also complaining of shortness of breath with stairs mild and feels tired more easily. I just thought it was muscle strain., My body cleared the blockage itself, said the game show host, who credited the aspirin he was taking for what he thought was simple muscle pain. I do not know aorta measurements. The more common form of bicuspid aortic valve occurs in a valve with three cusps with . Follow up for development of these functional lesions is indicated. 2023 Baton Rouge Clinic. I dont have any ayptoms. New guidelines from 2015 are in accord with your doctors recommendations about vigorous exercise as well as periodic imaging to measure the aorta. I would just like to share my experience of having a Aortic Valve replacement. I had AVR 3 years and 4 months ago. I have also had a stress test, which showed no issues at all. Bicuspid valves are quite common (1-2 percent of the population). The surgeon I used told me that he had performed keyhole surgery once but wasnt sure if it would be of much benefit to me. Ive a BAV with the fusion being between my right coronary and non-coronary leaflets. Consensus guidelines are developed to be broadly applicable, but the guidelines may not be applicable in a given athlete patients circumstance. However, some people are born with an aortic valve with only two leaflets, known as a bicuspid aortic valve. 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. I would really like to know if I can (or shouldnt) push myself as hard as I used to. These differences of opinion may be legitimate. I cant lift over 40lbs and I cant continue my work as a tradesman as it requires lifting over the 40lb mark. This has caused me a great deal of anxiety because I feel like I am being told to act like an old man before my time. More difficult questions relate to what are acceptable sports/exercise if operation is not (yet) needed. Yes, moderate aortic root dilation can remain stable. Thanks for the very insightful post, and for taking the time to reply to everyone here. I was only diagnosed with BAV after a routine examination and only because my company has increased in size above a threshold at which all employees are supposed to be subjected to this examination (weird law in Belgium). First, a disclaimer.My practice is devoted to adult patients. Here is a link to a diagram that categorizes sports according to their dynamic and static components: http://www.athletesheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Classification-of-Sports-300217.png. Ive yet to feel like Im back to my previous racing fitness that I once had. Is the biggest risk (from numbness) a over-calcified valve which would cause lack of blood flow? He wants to be normal. Elite triathletes and heart problems A CT scan made the diagnosis. Do you have a congenital heart defect? Normal biventricular size and function, no scar. If Im trying to do 10 it will be harder to get those 2 up but it wasnt that hard before. Consult your doctor to see if there are any restrictions that would be specific to your case. March 6, 2023, Erin Feaker My son is 16 years old and his story is very similar to many I read on your blog. Sometimes patients with mechanical aortic valves report that they lose a bit of their top-end athletic performance. 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? The American College of Cardiology (ACC) in conjunction with the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued guidelines for the evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of individuals with BAV: In my opinion, these are useful guidelines for athletes and non-athletes, alike. Some people with bicuspid aortic valve will have symptoms in early childhood. Many heart conditions can be controlled or repaired once theyre diagnosed. Those with symptoms are usually identified (BECAUSE of those symptoms) in the first year or two of life. I agree that your doctor(s) are in the best position to offer advice regarding safe exercise based upon your particular circumstances. There, they detected I had a bicuspid aortic valve." This meant the valve which controls the flow of blood from the heart's left-ventricle chamber to the main artery had only two flaps instead . We all appreciate it. Hi Sean, Again, this is a topic that is not yet well-researched. Rest pulse (70 bpm|50 bpm) The heart has a difficult time coping with extra demands of exercise. Ive thought that the next visit to the pediatrician would be a good opportunity to discuss the issue. Not only the degree of aortic regurgitation, but also the degree of enlargement of the nearby aorta, should be taken into consideration when settling on limits for exercise. I have almost everyday all day shortness of breath which follows with chest pain and discomfort. At the USC Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute, we are dedicated to improving the statistics concerning cardiovascular and thoracic disease such as those once faced by the governor, said Starnes, who also serves as executive director of the Institute. Thoracic aortic aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in the part of the aorta located in the . Im 39 also diagnosed with BAV when I was 31. And of course the problem occurs in everyday, recreational athletes, too. The echo in Jan asc aorta Diam 4.2 cm z-score 6.4. My cardiologist has advised me to avoid high impact activities such as weight lifting and endurance training. Thank you for best websit. While I do expect to have a replacement done later in life, the repair was the best decision I could have made. My son is 15 and has grown about 4-6 inches in the last year. 2020 Update: Arnold Gets An Aortic Valve Re-Replacement! Living fearlessly with bicuspid aortic valve disease The congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) condition is a valvulo-aortopathy with substantial heterogeneity in its clinical expressions, associated disorders, complications, and prognosis. Biscuspid Aortic Valve with trivial AR I have an OnX mechanical valve. Its really not strenuous, maybe 10 km/h and not more that 10 push ups at once. The average lifespan for a cow valve or pig valve is about 10 to 15 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Frankly Im worrying quite a bit about thisand I feel like its causing additional chest pain and shoulder pain. I have been advised not to run any more marathons or half-marathons, but that I can still compete at up to 10km races. BAVD is a malformation of the aortic valve present at birth that leaves you with two flaps instead of three, tripping up blood flow to the aorta. His doctor did not restrict him, but suggested that it may be time to give up the high-level play due to its high intensity training aspect (based on the Thank you for your ideas and I apologize for my gramma errors (English is not my first language). While i appreciate you are not my cardiologist and we`ve never met is there anything generic out there that i can look at to gain an idea. Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) - Frankel Cardiovascular Center The doctor said it wasnt serious, but that I should keep watch on it every year. However, my most recent scan in October revealed all Stenosis and LV thickening had gone completely (Doctor said this was a very positive result perhaps due to excercise and medication). Ive done the Philly a Marathon a coup,e times and know that its a terrific event. We are now seeing moderate stenosis, hence replacement in the not too far distant future. All Rights Reserved. I then played football my last two years of high school as well as playing hockey and throwing shot put for the track team. Some good points there, Craig. I had to take time off gym, when I returned I only did light weights and only walking on the 4x a wk and the same issues where still there. In addition to the European guidelines, there is also an American set of guidelines published in the Proceedings of the 36th Bethesda Conference. He seen our family doctor that week who confirmed the murmur. In my early 40s I thought that I was getting out of breath more than I should and eventually began to feel weak or nervous during a game, but only on Sunday. I continued playing hockey routinely until I was in my late twenties. I certainly know runners, cyclists, and triathletes in that circumstance who are active and doing well. The only question I have is in regards to having my children screened. Also, due to a bout of DVT and elevated d-dimers Im on Warfarin for life. Jansen Panettiere Family Reveals Actor's Cause Of Death Hi Larry, Alternatively, bicuspid aortic valve symptoms can appear during the first twenty years of life. I will update you all after his Friday appointment. triangle chokes, other blood chokes) could be putting pressure on my heart and cause my aorta diameter to increase? To no surprise, people are worried about me running tomorrow. Could you please give me an insight into what else could be causing these chronic episodes of shortness of breathe, lightheadedness and off-on chest pains. When you start seeing changes with regurgitation does it progress quickly? I am 38 and very active (running, cycling, strength training etc). This would be a major operation.and would certainly be invasive regardless of the particulars. People can live normal lives with Congenital Heart Defects. 1 year ago I gave up smoking and started endurance running. Its always good that investigators are looking for new solutions to old problems. She was originally under the impression she felt the way she did simply because she was exhausted. Rather than just sit there and do nothing about how much I missed [my mother], I put all of that pain, sorrow and longing for my mother into helping educate and make people aware. Tachcardaia beetwen echo due that doctor couldent see clearly. And, if so, how did things go? We live at 6,500 ft (elevation) so Im not sure if its affecting my blood pressure when doing normal things. Or is the real risk related to further deterioration of the heart in the longer term that would be picked up by 6 monthly monitoring, which may indicate the need for surgery but not an immediate risk of dying suddenly? Dr. Creswell, Danny. What have I observed and learned in the quarter century since? Anyway, I just wanted to say I found this article particularly informative. 1) Son has to stop football training as well as any physical activity, even at school (P.E. With aortic root 39mm. Thanks! What are my chances of being able to go back to marathon running after surgery? My cardiologist Said to not lift heavy weights. Jeff. One situation that seems particularly ripe for differences of opinion is that of the athlete with BAV, no significant stenosis or regurgitation, but with an aortic diameter of 4.5 to 5.0 cm. Very likely an operation will be needed at some point in the future. Should I be doing push-ups/pull-ups? Hi dr. swimming? That said, the recommendations dont address WHEN that screening should occur. If you havent yet seen a surgeon, perhaps a visit would all wan opportunity to talk about these issues, even if operation is not yet needed. Very often, follow-up CT scans and echocardiograms are needed every 6-12 months to keep track. It's the most common type of congenital heart disease (heart defect that's present at birth) and often goes unnoticed until later in life. With the blood thinning needed for a mechanical valve, serious bleeding may occur with injuries. I wouldnt hesitate to register your concern with your sons doctor about waiting a few weeks. Who Qualifies for TAVR. In late March, Schwarzenegger was heavily involved in a chess tournament with his donkey Lulu. It has allowed me to do the thing I enjoy doing in life. He would be devastated to never be able to play again. Some information about myself: Im 28, 186 cm, 77 kg, max pulse 194, rest 50 bpm, live in Russia. Several famous people were reported to have had bicuspid valves: former first Lady Barbara Bush, the comedian Robin Williams, and California Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger. If the valve is smaller than needed, there can be a limit to the ability of the heart to do extra workand that can show up as less speed. ), What do you think? since the last worsening ten years ago, the situation still stable and each year I went to the doctor to have the tests, they still tell me nothing has been changed since. On Monday the 13th, I had my annual echo. Business, Economics, and Finance. I dont train a lot, like 2k bike, 500k run and 100k swim yearly and few competitions sprints and one half IM in a year (32 years old). I knew none of this until a year ago. I am wondering because I know that weighlifting with bav isnt so good I feel terrible because i lov weightlifting and I have build a body that is so difficult for a 18 years old. When Ive had patients in your situation, Ive usually recommended getting the screening when its CONVENIENT. This gives a chance for the sternum, which was split during the operation, to heal completely. It usually consists of three flaps of tissue what are called valve cusps.