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Living with Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva

A rare heart condition present from birth in which part of the aortic root bulges out, often causing no symptoms until it ruptures.

Understanding Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva

Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital heart malformation in which one or more of the aortic sinuses, the pouches at the base of the aorta, bulge outward.

When it hasn't ruptured, it usually causes no symptoms. When it ruptures, it can cause shortness of breath with activity, tiredness, and chest pain, and it can lead to congestive heart failure if not treated. GARD lists the onset as adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Widening (dilation) of the aortic sinus
  • Leaking of the aortic valve (aortic regurgitation)
  • Trouble breathing (dyspnea)
  • Heart murmur

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How will my aneurysm be monitored?
What symptoms could mean it has ruptured?
Which specialists, such as a heart doctor and a heart surgeon, should I see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD describes it as a heart malformation present from birth. It doesn't describe a specific cause.

Also known as: sinus of valsalva aneurysm

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Aneurysm of sinus of ValsalvaGARD ID 670 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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