The impact of exercise on the natural history of bicuspid aortic valve

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The impact of exercise on the natural history of bicuspid aortic valve

  • IRAS ID

    307684

  • Contact name

    Michael Papadakis

  • Contact email

    mipapada@sgul.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    St George's University of London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The study has 2 parts:

    1. Screening for the Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) at cardiac screenings held by the charitable organisation Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to assess the feasibility of screening a large group of volunteers for a bicuspid aortic valve.

    2. Assessing the impact of exercise on progression of bicuspid aortic valve disease via an exercise questionnaire. The target group for this questionnaire will be individuals who are are patients of St George's Hospital NHS Trust, and those identified at CRY screening events.

    Background:
    The Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) affects 1-2% of the population though quoted prevalence varies widely. It is recognised that problems with the valve may develop (stenosis and regurgitation) or the aorta (dilatation). The effect of exercise on the rate of development of valve disease in individuals with BAV is unknown.

    This study will attempt to provide further evidence for the true prevalence of the BAV by screening individuals who voluntarily attend a cardiac screening with a hand-held echocardiogram.

    The study will also attempt to ascertain the effect of exercise on BAV progression by conducting a structured questionnaire pertaining to an individual's lifetime exercise. Individuals will then be classified as "athletes", "active" or "sedate". Clinical outcomes (including the need for an aortic valve replacement or aortic root replacement) and previous echocardiographic parameters in the 3 subgroups will be compared be to ascertain if there is a difference in progression of valve disease based on an individuals level of physical activity.

  • REC name

    South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/SC/0358

  • Date of REC Opinion

    22 Sep 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion