Bicuspid Aortic Valve- Patient Point of View

My name is Lahouaria, and I’m 46 years old as I write these words. I was born with a heart malformation involving my aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> — more commonly known as a bicuspid aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >>.

Living with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Over the years, this condition has led to a moderate narrowing of the valve. This progression is thought to be inflammatory in nature, affecting a valve that was structurally different from the start.

Normally, the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> — which allows bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood to exit the left ventricle — has three small, flexible leaflets, like tiny inverted parachutes. They open and close with each heartbeat to prevent bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood from flowing backward into the heart.

In my case, there are only two leaflets doing the job of three.

Today, I’d like to share my journey living with this congenital heart defect — as a woman, a mother, and a patient.

A Normal Childhood

I’m originally from Algeria. When my mother was pregnant with me, she didn’t have access to regular prenatal care. I was born suddenly at home, and everything seemed fine at birth.

I had a normal childhood and never complained during physical activity.

A Surprising Discovery

Around age 4, my mother — who worked as a kitchen assistant — took me to her workplace, a Chinese-owned company where a doctor was present.
She asked for a check-up, and that’s when he told her I had a heart murmur.

Suggested reading: Heart Murmur

A murmur is a sound heard with a stethoscope that may signal a heart condition. He recommended seeing a cardiologist, as there were various possible causes.

A Visit to the Cardiologist

The cardiologist didn’t explain much, but he did confirm the murmur.
Heart murmurs can be normal in children, so perhaps he wasn’t too concerned.

We lived in a city, and my mother covered all medical expenses thanks to private insurance. Fortunately, I was a healthy child and grew up without any problems.

Coming to Canada

In November 1999, at age 25, I moved to Canada to join my then-partner. I underwent a medical exam upon arrival and was told everything was normal.

Three months later, I became pregnant.

Pregnancy and Discovery

In Canada, prenatal care is well organized. During my first pregnancy visit, the heart murmur was detected again.
I had nearly forgotten about it, since I felt perfectly fine.

It was during this follow-up that I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >>.

My OB-GYN at St-Luc Hospital in Montreal referred me to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram to assess the condition of my heart.

After this first echo, the cardiologist explained that the valve defect was congenital, but there was no narrowing at that time — no aortic stenosis.
He reassured me that my pregnancy could proceed safely and even said I could have more children in the future.

He emphasized the importance of regular monitoring through echocardiograms and recommended good oral hygiene, since bicuspid valves are more prone to infection.

Suggested reading: Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention

A Smooth First Pregnancy

My first pregnancy and delivery went very well.
Postpartum recovery was smooth. My daughter was born healthy, weighing 3.2 kg and measuring 52 cm.

Staying Active

I’ve always been an active woman, and this heart condition never stopped me from living fully.

First Symptoms

In 2012, I began to feel some chest pain and went to Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Montreal.
They ran bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram.

That’s when I was told I had moderate aortic stenosis — a partial narrowing of the aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >>.

Ongoing Follow-Up and Two More Pregnancies

Since then, follow-up has become essential for me and for the doctors involved in my care.
I wanted to have a second child, but I asked my cardiologist for his opinion first. He reassured me there were no contraindications.

My second pregnancy went well and was closely monitored.
A year later, I gave birth to my third baby — again, everything went well.

I’m so grateful to the entire medical team that supported me, especially my cardiologist.

Today, I have three daughters (ages 20, 7, and 6), all healthy.
Pregnancy and delivery went smoothly despite my condition.

Since the diagnosis of moderate stenosis, my valve’s condition has remained stable.
The echocardiograms show no worsening.

Facing the Possibility of Valve Replacement

Of course, I hope my valve stays stable for many more years.
If it doesn’t, surgical replacement will eventually be needed — currently performed as open-heart surgery.

But a less invasive technique is gaining ground: valve replacement via catheter, without opening the chest. I hope this will become the standard approach when my time comes.

A Lingering Fear

Sometimes, especially before falling asleep, I feel a deep fear: what if I don’t wake up?
What if my heart is just too tired?

Honestly, I believe that if I were still in Algeria, I wouldn’t have survived — especially not through pregnancy and childbirth.

But I find peace in remembering my cardiologist’s words:
“You can live a normal life — just don’t overdo anything.” That advice keeps me grounded.

A Grateful Woman

I consider myself lucky — to live in Canada, to have access to good medical care, and to be surrounded by my loving husband and three daughters.

This bicuspid aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >> never stopped me from pursuing my goals or living with purpose.
I take care of myself — physically, mentally, and through good oral hygiene and healthy eating.

In Closing

I hope that by sharing my experience, I’ve helped you better understand what it means to live with a bicuspid aortic valveThe aortic valve is located between the left ventricule and the aorta. It is one of the four valves ot the heart. >>.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions — there’s no such thing as a bad one.

It is absolutely possible to live a normal life, even with a heart condition.
Healthy habits, regular activity, a good diet, proper oral hygiene, and ongoing follow-up…
These small actions can make a big difference.