BAV
Medical abbreviation · Cardiology
| Stands for | Bicuspid aortic valve |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BAV stands for Bicuspid aortic valve, a cardiology abbreviation.
Congenital aortic valve with two leaflets instead of three, the most common congenital heart abnormality, present in about 1 to 2 percent of people. It may work normally for decades but often leads to aortic stenosis or regurgitation in middle age and is associated with dilation of the ascending aorta.
Example: Young adult with an ejection click; TTE shows BAV with fusion of the right and left coronary cusps.
Usage notes
BAV is two to three times more common in males. Because aortic dilation can occur even with a well-functioning valve, patients need periodic imaging of the aorta, and first-degree relatives may be screened. It frequently accompanies coarctation of the aorta and occurs in many women with Turner syndrome. Bicuspid valves typically need replacement a decade or more earlier than calcified three-leaflet valves.
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- ASD – Atrial septal defect
- AV – Atrioventricular
- AVB – Atrioventricular block
- AVNRT – Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
- AVR – Aortic valve replacement
- AVRT – Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia
- BBB – Bundle branch block
- BiV – Biventricular
- BMS – Bare-metal stent
- BNP – B-type natriuretic peptide
- CABG – Coronary artery bypass grafting
- CAC – Coronary artery calcium
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.