David's Profile

I was born with a murmur, a bi-cuspid or two leaflet aortic valve instead of three leaflets. I have had annual echocardiograms since 2007 to monitor the murmur. I was told by more than one doctor that I would need to have the valve replaced someday. I took it in stride, thinking maybe at 60 years old I would need surgery. Now, at 48 years old, it has been determined that I am in need of an aortic valve replacement. This means open heart surgery. I have had palpitations over this past year, but no other symptoms, except I did experience a TIA (trans ischemic attack) or mini stroke in early March 2011 which caused a temporary blindness in the upper part of my right eye. My doctors say that this was likely caused by a small clot leaving my heart and reaching the vision center of my brain. Recent tests have shown significant signs of thickening (stenosis) and increased regurgitation with my aortic valve. In order to get a second opinion, I have consulted with a cardiologist other than my own who has concurred that I do need aortic valve replacement.