Bicuspid Aortic Foundation "Memories and Hope BAVD Today and Tomorrow"

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
Today and Tomorrow

Somewhere today a child is born with a bicuspid aortic valve. He looks so perfect. There is no hint of anything wrong. About two out of every one hundred children born today have a bicuspid aortic valve, and he is one of them. Will he live almost a normal life span before having a problem? Possibly. But it is also possible that sometime much sooner he may require treatment for a serious condition because he has Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease.

Somewhere today a strong, vibrant athlete collapses. Somewhere a middle-aged man with chest pain is rushed to the hospital. No, they did not have a heart attack. Inside those ambulances is someone whose aorta is torn and bleeding -- someone born with a bicuspid aortic valve. Will they survive? If they get to the hospital alive, the torn aorta is discovered, and there is a skilled aortic surgeon available, they may live. If they live, how much damage has been done? Only time will tell.

Somewhere else today a young woman is in the emergency room with chest pain. Again, it is not a heart attack. All her tests are normal. Her blood pressure is high. Is she having an anxiety attack? No, a tranquilizer will not solve this problem. Lowering her blood pressure may relieve her pain. But if a CT scan is done, it will show an aortic aneurysm in her chest. If an echocardiogram is done, it will show that she also was born with a bicuspid aortic valve.

In a hospital room somewhere today a young man is fighting for his life. The antibiotics flowing through his blood stream are aimed at a dangerous infection that is attacking his heart valve. This young man never knew he had a bicuspid aortic valve. He needs surgery soon to remove the infected bicuspid aortic valve and the weakened tissue of his aorta.

Why did these life-threatening emergencies happen today? After all, someone is going home from the hospital today, doing very well after surgery on his bicuspid aortic valve and ascending aorta. Someone else with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease exercised this morning, is having a great day today, and has plans for the evening with friends. She knows she has this condition, but she is confident today because her blood pressure, diet, lifestyle, and latest check up all tell her exactly where she stands. Someday she will choose to have surgery when she needs it, but that is not today.

Medical technology can detect and save the lives of those with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease. The bicuspid aortic valve can be identified, the aorta can be measured and monitored, blood pressure can be lowered, and antibiotics given to prevent infection. When surgery is needed, it can be done expertly and safely. All of this is already possible. But to prevent emergencies, Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease must be carefully looked for, found, and treated by experts in this condition.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease is a broader condition that includes the most common birth defect associated with the heart. Looking for it cannot do any harm, but not looking could be very dangerous. Those with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease today don't have to collapse or be rushed to the hospital by ambulance with a torn aorta. They don't have to be treated for anxiety when they really have aortic pain. They don't have to be surprised by a life-threatening infection. And they don't have to lose their lives. But to help them avoid these dangers, the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease they have must be found and treated.

One of the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's goals is to give greater visibility to Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease and in every way possible to promote the safety and well being of those who have it. Through early diagnosis, education and proactive treatment, those with this condition can enjoy active, productive lives. This is their hope today.

The child that was born today has an even greater hope. New understanding, new surgical techniques, new medical therapies, all still in the future, are the hope of the child born with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease today. This hope will become reality through the courage and skill of those who pioneer advances on the frontiers of aortic disease.

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is dedicated to making information and compassionate support available to all those who need it today. It is also dedicated to supporting the efforts of those who will turn today's hope into tomorrow's reality.

If you or someone you love has Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease or some other condition affecting the aorta in the chest, this Foundation is all about you. It is all about giving you information. It is all about helping you keep safe and well. It is all about encouraging you to live an active, productive life. It is all about making your world today and tomorrow a better one. It truly is all about you.

Please click here to read about how you can support the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's efforts to help those with BAVD.

Note: The examples included here are based on actual experiences of those with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease.

Contact Us

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Telephone
Toll free in the US (888) 310-HOPE (4673)
or
(949) 495-0027

Fax: (949) 606-0413

Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com

Disclaimer

The information on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website is provided for general informational purposes only. This information is not professional, legal, or medical advice. Any medications, products, or treatment mentioned are presented as information only and do not constitute any recommendation, approval, or endorsement. Any information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical care. You should contact a physician or other qualified medical professional for advice about all health-related conditions.

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation, including its officers, directors, volunteers and any others acting on its behalf, individually and collectively, make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the contents of this website, including its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.

Any links or references to other websites provided on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website are made available as a convenience only. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation has not reviewed all of the websites linked to this website and is not responsible for the content of these sites or your use of them.