How is a bicuspid aortic valve diagnosed and what tests are used?
The process of diagnosing a bicuspid aortic valve is outlined, from detecting a heart murmur to using imaging tests. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull, a Private Cardiologist in London, explains the role of echocardiography, CT scans, and cardiac MRI.
Have a question about your own heart health? Book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.
Transcript
In my experience, the diagnosis of a bicuspid aortic valve is often made by chance. Typically what happens is someone listens to your heart and a murmur is heard and an echocardiogram is then performed which shows this condition. Sometimes we need to use advanced imaging techniques such as CT or cardiac MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
It's also important to know that a bicuspid aortic valve can be associated with other congenital cardiac anomalies including something called aortic coarctation where there is a narrowing of the main blood vessel coming out of the heart called the aorta just above the aortic valve.
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