Comments on: Heart Valve Stenosis – The Severity Of This Valve Disorder

By: gloria hammond

gloria hammond — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:32:59 +0000

just diagnose with severe aortic stenosis going to have heart valve replacement and a double by pass did not have any symptoms until rushed to hospital in july with heart rate of 227 not happy with facing this surgery will let you know how it turns out i also have diabeties but no blood pressure problems

By: Pamela Rowlett

Pamela Rowlett — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:52:38 +0000

I would like to know how long a person can live with severe aortic stenosis? I have chests pain quite alot. The swollen feet and angles have just started and have had shortness of breath for over 2 years. Just had the cath done about 3 weeks ago. I also have copd. The doctor wants to try meds then do more caths and I see this a waste of insurance money plus my nerves are shot. If they know whats wrong why not fix the problem? Thanks so much for listening Sincerely Pamela Rowlett

By: Glenda Atkinson

Glenda Atkinson — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:47:48 +0000

I was diagnosed with AS about 5 years ago and have been treated with only a beta blocker. I am female , 57 years of age, non smoker. I was told AS is somewhat rare in females, but my condition was probably inherited. My son has apparently inherited this condition. He is also being treated with a beta blocker. He seems to be symptom free at 38, but I have had symptoms off and on since it was discovered. I just had another echo and apparently things have progressed and I am waiting on the results to find out what I need to do. I must say, this is VERY scary.

By: Steve Falor

Steve Falor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:43:20 +0000

I am 61. Last December my heart murmur was diagnosed as being “worse” ( .6 cm). Two echocardiograms and a cardiac catheterization later I now am awaiting my surgery date for replacement of my aortic valve. I have led a very active life and want to continue this so I have chosen… with my physicians guidance… the carpentier edwards pericardeal bovine magna aortic valve. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has experience… personal or professional… with this valve. Thanks.

By: Joe Worden

Joe Worden — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:16:01 +0000

I discovered that I had severe AS about five years ago and it stayed for several years around 1 cm. Since it seemed fairly stable, and I was asymptomatic, I went for two years between 2006 and late 2008 between echos. All of a sudden it dropped to about .65 cm and I was told I needed to consider replacement surgery within the next six months. What I had hoped would be years away, hit all of a sudden! I’m a healthy 55 year old guy and decided to do it asap. I had surgery on 12/29 at Cleveland Clinic and things are going great during recovery. I chose the tissue valve and may need to do this again down the road, but chose that option rather than the mechanical valve and Cumadin the rest of my life.

By: robert

robert — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:02:51 +0000

Adam,

My father is diagnosed with “moderate AS” Aortic valve is currenly 1.6 cm. His Dr. at MGH suggests waiting. I am interested in hearing what other people think. He is 84.

Robert

By: Midge

Midge — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:37:15 +0000

I have an appointment to have AVR on 2/13/09. Had final meeting with surgeon and required testing done today. Was first diagnosed with AS in Dec. 07 but doctor took the wait & see approach. In Dec. 08 he said it was time to pursue surgery. Had some tests and everything came back–do it now. Had very few symptoms except some shortness of breath and tired, but since I also have COPD didn’t know which was the problem. Surgeon today seems to think the COPD is not that bad….that the problem of breath and tiredness will improve considerably after the surgery. Anyway, I’m not willing to risk waiting any longer as the alternative to surgery is a bad option. I’m also going with a mechanical valve even though I’m 67. My family history and my current health other than the AS indicate I could live into late 80s or early 90s and I do not want to risk another surgery in my early 80s….my body is liable to be a lot more frail by then. I am just really thankful that the AS was found when it was.

By: mort krakow

mort krakow — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:31:38 +0000

Adam,where can I hear Dr. Hong’s webcast about asymptomatic AS.
I am 83 without any problems and I work out as hard as I can to see if my heart will attack me and all I get is stronger. My Valve area is 0.8cm and I should be dropping but nothing. I really don’t want to waste time recovering from surgery which would probably be a couple of years at my age and be restricted from hard active physical activity. The odds are against me.
your book is excellent..
thanks

By: Kerrigan

Kerrigan — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:12:27 +0000

I concur having had few if any symptoms. When the surgery occured Monday last the surgeon was alarmed how bad it had become. Bi-leaflet valve birth defect and at 66 years of age those two leaflets were fused by the calcilum build-up. 30 more days? Not likely in my case. Our family decision to proceed now saved my life. New Bio-core Ultra Epic is doing well!great and good for at least 15-20 years. New ascending aortia of woven Dacron as well. 3-1/2 hour surgery by awesome team at St. Vincent’s Cardio Vascular Institute in Portland, OR, on Monday at 11am, out of CRU in 24 hours and home Saturday! ps, hospital bed was horrible! Made by Stryker. Don’t they make armored vehicles for the Marinews?

By: Carol Lang

Carol Lang — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:23:59 +0000

The determination about when to surgically intervene with AS is “all about the numbers”, rather then the symptoms. My numbers were “stable” with moderate AS for 11 years, then in my 6 month followup echo I had progressed to severe AS. I had never felt better in my life! The way it was explained to me was really rather simple. Years ago, it was very common for people with AS to present to the ER with “Sudden Death Syndrome”. Once the valve becomes so stenotic, all the CPR & cardiac drugs in the world won’t resuscitate you! Your heart valve just won’t pump. Be thankful that we have the technology to monitor this before a cardiac cath & surgery are indicated.