Bicuspid aortic valve

Email this page to a friend Share on facebook Share on twitter Bookmark & Share Printer-friendly version

A bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve that only has two leaflets, instead of three.
The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the major blood vessel that brings blood to the body.

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
From the National Institutes of Health

National Institutes of Health

Congenital Heart Defects: MedlinePlus

Congenital Heart Defects

Email this page to a friend Share on facebook Share on twitter Bookmark & Share Printer-friendly version Subscribe to RSS

A congenital heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart. It is present at birth. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect.
A baby's heart begins to develop shortly after conception. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart and the arteries and veins near the heart. Congenital heart defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. The blood flow can

Slow down

Go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place

Be blocked completely

Treatment for the defect can include medicines, surgery and other medical procedures and heart transplants. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect and a child's age, size and general health. Today, many children born with complex heart defects grow to adulthood and lead productive lives.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute