Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
12:17

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots

Published on: May 21, 2017

11.3K

Aortic valve function and aortic dimensions in obese and overweight patients with bicuspid aortic valve

Andrew M Reittinger1, Peter N Dean2, Michael A McCulloch2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.

Cardiology in the Young
|October 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Overweight and obese children with bicuspid aortic valve show larger aortic dimensions and worse valve function. This highlights the impact of weight on cardiovascular health in pediatric congenital heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease Research
  • Obesity and Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect (CHD).
  • BAV is often linked to activity restrictions, potentially leading to sedentary lifestyles and increased obesity risk.
  • The impact of obesity on aortic dimensions and valve function in young individuals with BAV remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if overweight and obese children with BAV exhibit altered aortic dimensions or impaired aortic valve function compared to healthy weight peers.
  • To assess the relationship between weight status and cardiovascular parameters in pediatric BAV patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study involving 251 patients aged 5-25 years diagnosed with BAV.
  • Patients were categorized into healthy weight and overweight/obese groups.
  • Aortic dimensions and peak/mean aortic valve gradients were analyzed from echocardiogram reports.

Main Results:

  • Overweight/obese patients had significantly larger aortic valve annulus and sinotubular junctions when indexed to height (p < 0.05).
  • No significant differences were observed in aortic root or ascending aorta dimensions between groups.
  • The overweight/obese group exhibited a higher peak aortic valve gradient compared to the healthy weight group (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

  • Healthy weight did not correlate with larger aortic dimensions in this BAV cohort.
  • Evidence suggests worsening aortic valve stenosis in overweight/obese pediatric patients with BAV.
  • Weight management may be crucial for improving cardiovascular outcomes in young BAV patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
CHDaortic dimensionsaortic valve functionbicuspid aortic valveobesity

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

7.9K
Author Spotlight: Development of a Minimally Invasive Large-Animal Model for Reliable and Reproducible Cardiovascular Research06:51

Author Spotlight: Development of a Minimally Invasive Large-Animal Model for Reliable and Reproducible Cardiovascular Research

Published on: October 20, 2023

979

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
3
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular...
3
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
4
Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
4.4K
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
403