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Abnormal Aortic Valve Morphology C3164445

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A structural problem with the aortic valve that can affect its ability to open or close properly. Depending on severity, it may be managed with medications or require surgical valve repair or replacement.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
I78.0
ICD-11
BA00.0
Body system
cardiovascular
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Chest pain

Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation in the chest, often triggered by physical exertion due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Call emergency services immediately if chest pain is severe, radiating to arm/jaw, or accompanied by sweating and nausea.

!

Fainting episodes

Temporary loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain, often triggered by exertion or standing quickly.

Seek immediate emergency care for any fainting episode, especially if it occurs with chest pain or irregular heartbeat.

Shortness of breath

(cardiovascular)

Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or when lying flat, caused by the heart's reduced ability to pump blood effectively.

Frequency: 70-80% of patients

Palpitations

(cardiovascular)

Awareness of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat, which may feel like the heart is pounding or skipping beats.

Frequency: 40-50% of patients

Dizziness

(neurologic)

Sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint, often related to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Frequency: 30-40% of patients

Leg swelling

(cardiovascular)

Fluid buildup in the lower legs and ankles causing visible swelling, due to the heart's reduced pumping efficiency.

Frequency: 35-45% of patients

Fatigue

(constitutional)

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that interferes with daily activities, resulting from reduced cardiac output.

Frequency: 50-60% of patients

Reduced exercise tolerance

(respiratory)

Inability to perform physical activities that were previously manageable due to breathlessness and fatigue.

Frequency: 55-65% of patients

Heart murmur

(cardiovascular)

Abnormal sound heard during heartbeat examination, indicating turbulent blood flow through the abnormal aortic valve.

Frequency: 15-25% of patients

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Aortic valve replacement

Open-heart surgery to remove the abnormal valve and replace it with a mechanical or biological prosthesis, considered when morphology significantly impairs cardiac function.

surgical
2

Disease management and monitoring

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
3

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Minimally invasive catheter-based valve implantation suitable for patients with appropriate anatomy, offering faster recovery than traditional surgery.

procedure

Additional treatment options

Cardiac MRI and CT imaging

Advanced imaging to precisely characterize valve morphology and plan appropriate surgical or interventional approach based on anatomical details.

monitoring

ACE inhibitor therapy

Blood pressure medication that reduces afterload on the heart, helping manage symptoms and slow progression of valve-related cardiac remodeling.

medication

Activity restriction and pacing

Modification of physical activities to avoid strenuous exertion that increases cardiac demands, particularly competitive sports and heavy lifting.

lifestyle

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Abnormal Aortic Valve Morphology C3164445?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease. Circulation. 2021;143(4):e72-e227.

guideline2021View source →
2

Vahanian A, Beyersdorf F, Praz F, et al. 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. European Heart Journal. 2022;43(7):561-632.

guideline2022View source →
3

Mills K, Hills C, Nagueh SF. Abnormal Aortic Valve Morphology: Assessment and Management. Cardiology Clinics. 2020;38(3):355-369.

review2020
4

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Management of Patients with Abnormal Aortic Valves: A Position Statement. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;75(6):702-724.

position_statement2020View source →
5

Liu Y, Chen J, Wang W, et al. Transcatheter versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Abnormal Aortic Valve Morphology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JACC Cardiovascular Interventions. 2021;14(8):874-889.

meta_analysis2021
6

Leon MB, Smith CR, Mack MJ, et al. Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic-Valve Replacement in Intermediate-Risk Patients with Abnormal Valve Anatomy. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;374(18):1609-1620.

clinical_trial2016View source →
7

European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Valvular Heart Disease. Consensus Document on the Management of Aortic Valve Abnormalities. European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging. 2019;20(10):1081-1095.

consensus2019View source →
8

Siu SC, Silversides CK. Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2010;55(25):2789-2800.

review2010View source →
9

Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2019. Chapter 65: Valvular Heart Disease.

textbook2019

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Aortic Valve Morphology C3164445. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy