As blood flows through the heart, it passes through a series of valves. These structures ensure blood moves in the right direction and doesn’t leak backward. One of these valves, the aortic valve, normally has three flaps called leaflets. With each heartbeat, these leaflets open to allow blood to pass. They then close to prevent leaking. If you have a bicuspid aortic valve, the valve only has two leaflets. This limitation can cause problems for your heart. UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provides comprehensive care, including valve repair and replacement, for Kentucky adults with a bicuspid aortic valve.
Located in a structure called the aortic root, the aortic valve allows oxygen-rich blood to pass from the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta, a major artery that carries blood to the body. A bicuspid aortic valve may cause aortic regurgitation, which is when blood leaks back into the heart. In other cases, the valve loses its ability to open all the way. This condition is called aortic valve stenosis. When aortic valve stenosis occurs, the heart must work harder to pump blood.
In addition to potentially causing heart valve stenosis and regurgitation, a bicuspid aortic valve can increase your risk for other serious heart problems. These include heart failure and aortic aneurysm. Bicuspid aortic valve diseases also put you at risk for aortic dissection, which is a tear in the aorta. Treatment can help you avoid complications and enhance your quality of life.
Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common type of congenital heart disease, which is a heart defect that’s present at birth. Often, a bicuspid aortic valve doesn’t cause symptoms in children. Over time, adults with a bicuspid aortic valve may develop aortic regurgitation or stenosis. These conditions may cause symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat (heart palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
A bicuspid aortic valve is treatable. Your outlook depends on a variety of factors, including the presence and severity of complications and your overall health.
It is unclear why aortic valves develop improperly in some people. Some factors, however, seem to increase your risk for a bicuspid aortic valve. These include being male and having a parent with a bicuspid aortic valve. You also have a higher risk if you have another form of congenital heart disease called coarctation of the aorta.
Children with congenital heart disease become adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Ninety percent of children born with CHD have a normal life expectancy due to improved surgical interventions and better medical management. At all ages, close monitoring and expert care for CHD patients are essential. Despite this, studies indicate that 2 out of 3 young adults with CHD don’t transition from pediatric to adult CHD care. Not getting continued cardiac care can lead to a variety of health problems and poor outcomes.
To guide teens and their families through the transition, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute team members talk about the transition early and often. Starting at age 15, teens with CHD begin transition education. One Wednesday every month, a special transition clinic staffed by adult congenital heart disease providers, is held to meet with teens and their families to discuss important topics, including:
- Abilities and limitations experienced as an adult with CHD
- Lifelong need for proper CHD monitoring and treatment
- What adult CHD care may involve over the years
Additionally, once you transition to adult care with the Adult Congenital Heart Program at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, we work hard to enable you to keep your appointments and testing on track. We also work hard to empower you with knowledge and assist you in being your best advocate to live your best life. If you miss an appointment, we will call to reschedule.
During your first visit to the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Congenital Heart Program, you’ll meet our clinic nurse, social worker and other members of your care team. You’ll also undergo imaging exams, which may include an echocardiogram or a cardiac MRI.
Once imaging is complete, you will meet with an adult congenital cardiologist and other team members for up to one hour. You’ll discuss the results of your echocardiogram and your health history and symptoms. You will also get in-depth education about your diagnosis, how it may affect you moving forward and possible treatment options. The meeting is also a great opportunity to ask any questions about living with CHD.
When coming to your appointment:
- Bring a list of any medications or supplements you take and surgeries you’ve undergone.
- Dress comfortably.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- You may want a family member or friend with you to take notes or help ask questions.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Clinical trials provide access to novel treatments for those in the adult CHD program at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. Through our Cardiology Clinical Research Center, patients benefit from advances in valve replacement and other therapies before they become standard treatment. Your care team will notify you if you qualify for an ongoing clinical trial.
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