We can help with bicuspid aortic valve disease
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disorder, affecting approximately one to two percent of people. BAV can cause strain on the heart over time and may lead to serious health complications. Due to the hereditary nature of BAV, there a nine percent chance of your first-degree relatives having BAV as well.
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Have you or a family member been diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve?
With bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), two of the three leaflets of the aortic valve fuse during fetal development. This fusion creates a bicuspid, or two-leaflet valve, instead of the normal tricuspid, or three-leaflet valve. One-third of people with BAV may develop complications in their lifetime, and these may be serious. Many patients with BAV also have dilation (or ballooning) of the aorta, which is the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is home to the Martha and Richard Melman Family Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program. This program provides comprehensive care for people with BAV. Our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons offer sophisticated treatment options ranging from medical therapy to highly advanced surgical interventions.
BAV treatment options at Northwestern Memorial Hospital include:
- Expert clinical care from board-certified cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, specializing in heart valve disease
- Coordination of care with your local physicians, including providing updates on your care and progress
- Monitoring and evaluating your BAV through clinically advanced echocardiogram, CT scan and MRI testing
- An invitation to screen your first-degree relatives for BAV, due to the hereditary nature of BAV
- Access to ongoing clinical research specifically for BAV including advanced 4D MRI technology, which gives highly detailed images of your aortic valve and aorta
BAV Patient Education Guide
Fill out the form to download your free BAV Patient Education Guide.
Have a Nurse Contact Me
Fill out the form to have a nurse specializing in BAV contact you by phone or email.
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Locations
Whether you are experiencing symptoms that you do not understand, have already been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or are looking for a second opinion, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive expertise to you and your loved ones at four convenient locations.
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
675 N. Saint Clair St.
Galter Pavilion, Suite 19-100
Chicago, IL 60611
312.NM.HEART (664.3278)
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at
Lake Forest Hospital
1000 North Westmoreland Road
Main Entrance
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847.53.HEART (534.3278)
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at
Central DuPage Hospital
25 N. Winfield Road
Winfield, IL 60190
630.232.0280
BLUHM CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at
Delnor Hospital
300 Randall Road
Geneva, IL 60134
630.232.0280
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked as a top ten program in the nation (No. 7) for cardiology, heart & vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report, 2024 - 2025. Our impressive U.S. News & World Report achievements are a reflection of the expert care provided and why patients choose to get their heart and vascular seconds opinions from Northwestern Medicine.
- Highest ranked cardiology, heart & vascular surgery program in Illinois for 17 consecutive years
- Highest available cardiology, heart & vascular surgery patient survival score since the metric was introduced
- Rated “High Performing” (the highest rating possible) for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, heart attack, heart failure and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Meet the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Team
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a nationally recognized destination for those who require highly specialized heart and vascular care.
Make an Appointment
Whether you are experiencing symptoms that you do not understand or have already been diagnosed with BAV and are looking for a second opinion, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive expertise to you and your loved ones at multiple convenient locations.
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
675 N. Saint Clair Street
Galter Pavilion, Suite 19-100
Chicago, IL 60611
312.NM.HEART (312.664.3278) (TTY: 711)