Study: People With Heart Defect More Likely To Have Brain Aneurysms

In what appears to be an unusual link, those who have a common heart defect may also be more likely to have brain aneurysms, according to a new study published this week in the mediocal journal Neurology. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503161227.html

As much as 2 percent of the population is born with bicuspid aortic valve, or BAV,  meaning the valve has just two flaps instead of the normal three, according to Science Daily. That valve permits blood to go from the heart to the aorta.

The latest research has found that the artery issues that relate to BAV may also take place in the brain,

Some people with  BAV, especially adults, over time get a narrowing or leaks of the aortic valve, and that the heart defect may in fact be a connective tissue disorder.

The research done by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles sought to find out what brain aneurysms have in common with people with BAV.

As part of the study 61 people with BAV were tested for brain aneurysms, as were 291 people who didn’t have BAV but were having tests for suspected stroke or a brain tumor during this period.

According to Science Daily, six of the 61 with BAV had brain aneurysms, or 9.8 percent, versus three of the 291 who didn’t have BAV, or 1.1 percent. Only 0.5 to 2 percent of the adult population has brain aneurysms.

Researchers said that the finding indicate a significantly greater risk of brain aneurysms among those with BAV.

acc