The aorta valve has 3 leaflets (flaps) that close over the aorta opening that passes blood from the left ventrical (pumping chamber) into circulation and when the heart is pumping the leaflets should close over the opening to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricle (the back flow is called regurgitation). Do you have a biscuspid aorta valve?...sometimes there is congenital anomaly where there are two leaflets (2 valves fused together) rather than 3 leaflets. And with this condition many individuals don't have any problems until the 3rd decade of life and some never have any problems.
However,the condition is genetic (bicuspid syndrome) that also effects the aorta ascending, arch, or descending aorta vessel. It seems the syndrome involves a tissue abnormality that is susceptible an aneurysm. An an aneurysm is an abnormal bulge of the aorta vessel wall and should be closely watched for any size increase that could be vulnerable for dissection. And blood pressure should be closely monitored as that could exacerbate the problem.
The above perspective is the worst case scenerio, and it hasn't been determined based on the information provided that you have a bicuspid aortic valve anomaly. An echo should have provided the size of the aorta. If the size has grown to 4.0cm it is considered an aneursym, and if and when the size reaches 5.0cm or greater the option for intervention becomes relevant to prevent disection.
Hope this provides an insight for you to further discuss your medical concern with your doctor and whether or not you have the congenital bicuspid disorder. If you don't, and the regurgitation is not moderate to severe, there may not be any serious condition.
Thanks for your question, and if you have any further questions or comments you are invited to respond. I wish you well going forward, take care,
Ken
I have only one thought: do not be scared!! Best thing we can do with different heart conditions is that: under all circumstances staying calm, optimistic and I am guaranty you, we will live longer. Our fathers were different people, under different care, different time, medications, treatment, I just always remember my father as a happy, optimistic, smart, funny man as he was, I try not to mix up his heart condition and mine, if I would I could start count back my years to live, he wasn’t much older than I am now, but it was in a totally different story, time etc……I feel that, but was very glad hearing the same attitude was suggested to me by my cardiologist.
Trust in your cardiologist, it seems to me you are in good care.