Final answer:
People with Bi-cuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) are at higher risk for aortic stenosis, underlying atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, or stroke, and may require interventions such as surgery to treat severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with a Bi-cuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) are at increased risk for cardiac complications such as aortic stenosis and underlying atherosclerosis. Aortic stenosis, where heart valves become rigid and may calcify, forces the heart to work harder, weakening it over time.
BAV is significantly associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction or stroke, four to five times greater than the average risk. In cases of severe aortic stenosis or myocardial infarction, immediate surgical intervention like valve replacement or bypass surgery might be necessary to alleviate blockages or expand arteries.
Another concern is the occurrence of subacute bacterial endocarditis, a condition that leads to the formation of bacterial vegetations on valve tissues and can severely damage the heart valves if untreated.