Terminal Heart Valve Stenosis? Maybe? No? Yes?
December 19th, 2007Okay. This blog is NOT for those of you who are struggling with your perceived fear of heart valve surgery.
That said, feel free to read ‘Dispelling The Fear Of Heart Surgery’ before you consume the words below.
Are we good? Alright… Here goes nothing:
I just received an email about the risks of aortic valve stenosis, specifically terminal heart valve stenosis. The question read, “Is heart valve stenosis terminal?”
This is a new question for me! Personally, I’ve never any clinical evidence which suggests that the narrowing of the aortic valve is terminal. Instead, I have understood that as common knowledge. However, in thinking about it more, the answer is probably and unfortunately “Yes”.
I say that because… If a stenotic heart valve is left untreated, the impact on the heart would eventually lead to excess strain on the heart, an enlarged heart and, most likely, an untimely death as the disease gets more and more severe.
(However, you should know that I’m not a doctor. I’m just a former aortic valve replacement patient thinking about the topic. But, over the years, many surgeons I work with have echoed this thought. In fact, heart valve stenosis can progress quickly resulting in severe damage to the heart and heart failure.)
Personally, I’ll never forget what my cardiologist said to me when I was diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis. Dr. Bad Bedside Manner (that’s what I call him now) said to me, “You’re not going to die tomorrow… But, I wouldn’t wait very long to take action on this.”
That was a very, very, very, very, very tough statement to digest.
But, now… Twenty-four months later, I’m better than new! I can’t believe my two-year anniversary is this Friday, December 21. Robyn (my wife) and I are going to celebrate together.
I hope that explains a little bit about terminal heart valve stenosis. If you would like to learn more about valve replacement surgery risk, please click the link.
Keep on tickin!
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| About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here. |
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