DOCTOR'S VIEWS ARCHIVE

Topic: Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Dr. Lee:
One viewer wants to know, whether there is a higher chance of forming blood clots in the heart in the presence bicuspid aortic valve that leaks or regurgitate.

Dr. Michael Miyamoto:

Generally, that is not thought to be the case. That is the leakiness from the bicuspid aortic valve does not predispose to the formation of thrombis or blood clots. For this reason this is the isolated condition in the patient and we don't recommend anticoagulants or oral blood thinners. If there are other coexisting conditions such as atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia causing an irregular and rapid heart beat, it that situation, blood thinners would be warranted but mostly because of the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. The bicuspid valve, itself, does not in part have a higher risk of blood clot.

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Last Editorial Review: 6/21/2000 6:38:00 AM