BAV and arrhythmia

mtmom · Mar 15, 2012

I have just been diagnosed with BAV with moderate stenosis and a dilated ascending aorta at 3.8 cm. The mitral valve leaflets are thickened with malcoaptation and mld regurgitation. The Tricuspid valve and the pulmonic valves are also showing mild regurgitation. I am having so much arrhythmia's. Some good days and some bad days when I get out of breath easy. PVC's, some PAC's and and once in a blue moon tachycardia for a few seconds. I have had a few just about passing out spells and feel dizzy on the bad days. My heart beating very strong will wake me up at night or prevent me from going to sleep. Beta blockers and Calcium blockers did not help. They might try something different now.. have just had a couple visits with cardiologist so just getting started in all this. My question: I have not read much on this forum about BAV and arrhythmia's. Can this go hand in hand? Is this a common experience or symptom of BAV? Just trying to get a handle on all this. Thanks for any help.

Phil · Mar 15, 2012

Hi mtmom,

I've had arrhythmia issues and BAV since my early 20s. I've tried many things to address the arrhythmia with varying success. I'm in my 50s now and deal with it by acknowledging I have good days and bad days and on bad days it eventually goes away and a more normal heat beat returns. I know how alwful an out of wack heart beat can be and sorry I do not have a magic answer for you.

All the best.

Phil.

mtmom · Mar 16, 2012

Thanks. That's what I needed to know! Just to hear from someone that all this can go together.

TheGymGuy · Mar 16, 2012

Out of curiosity - what is your AVA (Aortic Valve Area)? I wonder if your BAV is reaching end of it's natural life?

mtmom · Mar 16, 2012

It is 1.1 cm so I think getting there. Is that right? I find this all so confusing and I am trying to read and learn...but so overwhelming.

TheGymGuy · Mar 16, 2012

Some people might have no symptoms at .8. I am at .9-1.0 depending on who measured and have no symptoms that I can tell. Other people have symptoms at 1.2 or even higher. When I got to 1.1 my cardiologist told me, and I quote "You are about ready now, so anytime is a right time to do it". Of course that was several years ago and I am going to get my surgery now, still symptom free.