75 Webinar Questions Answered By Dr. Johnston and Dr. Asgar

During our recent patient webinar, “Long-Term Heart Valve Success,” Dr. Doug Johnston, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Anita Asgar, Chief of Interventional Cardiology, at Northwestern Medicine, shared important insights about new medical advances, innovative treatment strategies and lifetime planning for people with heart valve disease. The response from our community was extraordinary. You can now download the free eBook or watch the video playback for the "Long-Term Heart Valve Success" webinar at this link.

Hundreds of patients attended the live event, and we received more questions than we could answer during the webinar. Thankfully, Dr. Johnston and Dr. Asgar, provided answers to many of the questions that remained after the event. The questions covered a wide range of important topics, including tissue valve durability, valve-in-valve procedures, mitral valve repair, TAVR, the Ross Procedure, exercise, follow-up testing and emerging therapies.

Here are Dr. Johnston’s and Dr. Asgar's answers to the questions submitted by our patient community.

Question 1: Hi there. I'm an athletic 52 year old male who had a difficult time with OHS last year (I received a Konect aortic valve conduit for my aneurysm and aortic valve. I was told my next valve can be done minimally invasively. My question is what advancements are expected in TAVR in the next 10 years to prolong valve durability and avoid potential common complications?

There are a number of devices which are entering clinical trials which may improve durability for valve in valve TAVR.  In general, putting a valve in a Konect graft is a good scenario for valve in valve.

Question 2: I (72 year-old female) have been diagnosed with Moderate mitral valve regurgitation and we’re doing a wait and see (wait one year then another MRI).  But I’m thinking taking care of this when I'm younger might make sense.  What’s the current thinking on this? Thanks, Barbara

When to intervene on the valve depends on how the left ventricle is doing, as well as whether you have atrial fibrillation in addition to the regurgitation.  MRI is a good study to look at the left ventricle in addition to the valve.

Question 3: Could the doctors please comment on the progress of a transcatheter mitral valve replacement becoming available?

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is rapidly improving.  Currently we have one available device which is approved for use, and several are in clinical trials.  The anatomy of the mitral valve is more challenging for transcatheter valves than the aortic, and so fewer patients are eligible for transcatheter treatment.

Question 4: I’m doing strength training to keep osteoporosis at bay.  How do I make sure I’m not damaging my mitral valve that has moderate regurgitation?

Exercise is good for your heart.  Strength training is very unlikely to cause any negative effect on the valve.

Question 5: I had open heart aortic replacement in 2006 and TAVR aortic replacement in 2021. Now 5 years into it, how long will it be before another replacement? TAVR>TAVR>traditional. How risky is that?

When another intervention needs to be made depends on how your TAVR valve is functioning.  Whether to do another TAVR valve in valve vs surgery will depend on the size of the valves condition of the heart muscle as well as other factors.  Your heart team should be able to tell you more specifically about relative risk.

Question 6: Is Northwestern participating in the J-Valve clinical study?

Yes.

Question 7: I understand the Jena valve has FDA approval, is that correct?

This is correct.

Question 8: I had my aortic valve replace in 2023 (bicuspid).  What typical tests should I have done annually, or regularly to determine the condition of my tissue replacement valve (Edwards Lifesciences Inspiris Resilia)?

You should have an annual echocardiogram to look at valve function.

Question 9: I am a 54-year-old active male.  I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair April 1, 2026.  I feel good as long as my heart rate does not go over 115 beats per minute.  When my heart rate goes above that rate, at rest or during exercise, a murmur returns.  It sound like my mitral valve. I am scheduled for a stress echo next week to see what is causing this murmur. I am a ED physician and have listened to my heart with a stethoscope.  Any thoughts?

A stress echo is the right test.  Sometimes a murmur can be heard even with a mild leak in the valve, so grading the leak by echo will be important.

Question 10: Not a question. Just saying a shoutout to Doug who did my heart valve surgery.

Great to hear from you!

Question 11: I'm Tom, a 68-year-old male. I had a porcine aortic valve installed with Dacron aorta 9.7 years ago. I feel fine. Only complications are from some medications I'm on. Will I have TAVR options when and if needed. And, when maybe?

Valve in valve TAVR can be performed in many patients with prior porcine aortic valve replacement.  The specifics are important - what sized valve and the nature of the aortic replacement.  A CT scan will help your team evaluate the anatomy when the time comes.

Question 12: How do I know if my bovine aortic valve is large enough to have a TAVR replacement?

The valve size should be known from your operative report.  Your team will get a CT scan to evaluate the size of the aorta around the valve as well as the position of the coronary arteries.

Question 13: If you don’t have the symptoms for Aortic and Mitral valves but I have two leaky valves, what would be the circumstances that will affect my heart condition?

With leaky valves, what matters most is how severe is the leak.  Over time, your heart will compensate for leaky valves by getting larger, and this is important in terms of when to intervene on the valves.

Question 14: I had mitral valve repair open heart surgery in 12/20. What are options available when it’s time to replace the ‘pig skin' valve?  I’ll be 80 years old at 15 years from date of surgery.

What is important are the details of the operation you had.  Whether repair or replacement, what type of valve, what size, etc.

Question 15: I had aortic valve surgery eight years ago. There was so much calcium in the picture, there was nothing to sew the new valve onto. I  was fortunate to have a surgeon who successfully implanted a very small Perceval valve. With that much calcification in my aorta, what kind of valve  and valve scaffolding might I get during another valve surgery? Thank you.

That depends on where the calcium is and what sized valve is in place.  Sometimes a more extensive operation can remove some of the calcium and implant a larger valve.

Question 16: Is there anything that we can do to make our bioprosthetic valves last longer? I have heard that limiting calcium could help. (Dr. Johnston did my aortic valve and ascending aorta repair in 2024. Hi Dr. Johnston!)

Hi and great to hear from you.  What we know is that large doses of calcium may reduce bioprosthetic valve durability, but it's likely that the doses of calcium most people take for osteoporosis don't make a difference.  In general there aren't any lifestyle changes that improve durability.  Live your life and enjoy having a working valve.

Question 17: I had 2 MitraClips implanted in January. I’ll be 55 next week. I know there isn’t a lot of long-term data for MitraClips, but I’m wondering what my next option would be if I become symptomatic again. Can it be another minimally invasive procedure?

In some cases another clip can be placed, and if surgery is necessary there are many minimally invasive options for valve replacement.

Question 18: Are you optimistic about Ataciguat? If it proves to be effective for slowing progression of native aortic valve calcifications, would it do the same for tissue valves or would it only work on live tissue? Maybe work for Ross patients?

The early study of this drug showed promising results in a small number of patients.  It is unknown whether this will work on valve replacements or only on native tissue.

Question 19: I received a tissue valve in November at 70-years-old. If I am more active, is the valve more likely to wear out faster?  What is your suggestion on how active a person like me should be?

Activity has not been shown to have any negative effect on valve durability.  Having a working valve should allow you to be as active as you want!

Question 20: Dr. Johnston replaced my aortic valve with 21mm INSPIRIS Resilia in 2018. I am 77 years old now. If I need to replace the valve again, how possible is it to replace with valve-in-valve procedure?

The INSPIRIS valve is designed to facilitate valve-in-valve procedures since it is designed with an expandable ring.

Question 21: Thank you for hosting this important podcast. Any long term updates on the Inspiris Resilia aortic valve. I am coming up to my 4 years since having open heart surgery in Australia.

10 year data on the Resilia tissue was presented in May at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery meeting in Chicago.  At 10 years there was very little incidence of calcium deposition which suggests valves with Resilia may be more durable than earlier generation valves.

Question 22: Does Vitamin K2 help deter calcification in the aortic valve? If so, dosage and frequency?

There was a large study on this therapy published in the journal Circulation which showed no difference between Vitamin K2 and placebo in altering aortic valve calcium.

Question 23: What should be done if you have moderate aortic stenosis? I also have coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure?

That can be a complex situation since aortic stenosis and coronary disease can have different effects in someone with congestive heart failure.  You would best be served by an experienced heart failure cardiology team.

Question 24: I had a bicuspid valve replaced in 2017 along with an aneurysm graft. That year I got a blood infection. I got endocarditis and another OHS and another pig valve in 2019. This year I got another blood infection. So far, the valve is good. Would TAVR be recommended in the next aortic valve or go with a mechanical valve?

That is a difficult question to answer without knowing more about the valve that is in place now and what size it is.  Many porcine valves can be treated with TAVR valve-in-valve.

Question 25: I have mitral valve stenosis with severs Mitral Annular Calcification. One doctor has said it's 25% risk that I would not make it off the table. The second doctor said it’s about the same. One of the doctors I looked up said  he has it down to 3%. Is it possible to have such a big difference?

If I understand your question you are looking for what the risk of mitral valve procedures is in the setting of severe calcification.  There are certainly differences in outcome between centers depending on the approach and experience of the team.  At Northwestern we use measurements of calcium on the CT scan to help guide risk assessment and choice of procedure.

Question 26: I am from Pakistan. I am 26 years old. In 2013, I underwent mitral valve repair surgery for mitral valve regurgitation, which included splitting and shortening of the papillary muscles along with partial annuloplasty.  According to my last echocardiogram, performed about one year ago, I had mild mitral stenosis. Could mild mitral stenosis remain stable until my 60s, or is it likely to progress over time?

That's a good question.  Any time the mitral valve is repaired when there is thickening at the time of the repair, there is a chance of mitral stenosis.  How fast this progresses is very hard to know without knowing more about the procedure, and it is very different from person to person.  Often the progression is very slow.

Question 27: I had a Ross procedure in 2024 and developed arrhythmia post-surgery. I experience irregular heartbeats — mostly skipped or fluttering beats — mainly when sitting or lying down. It doesn’t raise my heart rate but is uncomfortable. It disappears for weeks sometimes but always returns. Metoprolol mostly controls it. Could this arrhythmia affect my valve function or overall heart health long-term?

Fortunately arrhythmias like this don't really affect aortic valve function.  If you have not had this evaluated, it would be important to know if this is atrial fibrillation, or premature ventricular contractions, which are very common and usually very benign.

Question 28: Are you familiar with the St Jude Trifecta GT Tissue Heart Valve that was taken off the market in 2023. I received the bovine Trifecta GT valve in 2018. It has performed well but is starting to get some calcification.

Yes.  The Trifecta valve performed very well in early studies but has been shown to have higher rates of calcification in some patients.  This is an example of why all new replacement valves require rigorous study and follow up for as much as 10 years.

Question 29: Is there a specific age group that benefits more from a TAVR versus prosthetic valves?

Who benefits from transcatheter vs surgical valve replacement is a complex question that has to do with the anatomy of the patient, life expectancy, and the likely risk of both procedures.  There is not a specific age cutoff.

Question 30: After my SAVR I had a slight decrease in kidney function probably due to perfusion during surgery. My cardiologist suggested that I start taking dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and all is normal now.   Perhaps after a SAVR the patient should be treated medically with Farxiga.

Sorry to hear about your decrease in kidney function.  While this is a known potential complication of valve procedures, most patients do not experience this and therefore there is no recommendation to treat with Farxiga.

Question 31: Is there a procedure to do "valve in valve" transcatheter with a mitral valve annuloplasty ring?

As we discussed during the session, putting a transcatheter valve inside a mitral ring is possible in some patients.

Question 32: Thanks to Drs. Asgar and Johnston! After my AVR surgery (Inspiris Resilia - 2 years ago), my new valve is doing well, but I developed mitral regurgitation and left bundle branch blockage.  What interventions would be appropriate to consider to address the mitral regurgitation if that that becomes problematic (moderate at this time)?

Thank you and thanks for the question.  That would depend on the mechanism of the leak in the mitral valve.  Some patients would be candidates for a transcatheter mitral repair in this setting.

Question 33: Can you do a valve-in-valve of the mitral valve if the annulus ring is calcified and you already have a tissue aortic valve?

This is possible in some patients depending on the anatomy of the mitral valve.

Question 34: If you are an avid athlete, do aggressive workout activities like running cause a biological value to degrade more quickly than someone who is less active.

Fortunately no!  Feel free to work out and enjoy your valve.

Question 35: How do you get a heart team? Do you have to have separate appointments for each team member?

At Northwestern we have expert nurses as part of our FAST team who connect patients with the right providers so you don't have to figure it out on your own.

Question 36: Dr. Johnston, You did my aortic valve replacement as a minimally-invasive procedure 5 years ago. My valve is fine. My ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm is 4.1cm. I continue to be very active.What would you say  my prognosis is ? Thanks, Bob

Hi Bob.  Great to hear from you.  4.1 cm is definitely a diameter that can be followed with imaging once per year.  Many aortas will stay at this diameter for years, especially when the valve has been replaced.

Question 37: I had my TAVR two years ago. I feel good! My insurance has gone up drastically this year because of lack of federal funding for the ACA. Last week, I met with my cardiologist for my two year follow-up on a Zoom to avoid a big charge. She ordered an echocardiogram, which used to be covered with my $20 Kaiser co-pay. It will now cost me $670 out-of-pocket. If I feel good, can I forgo the echo? Thank you.

Sorry to hear about those issues.  It may be worth talking with your physician about whether there are lower cost options.  In general a yearly echo is recommended according to the American College of Cardiology Guidelines.

Question 38: With a mechanical aortic valve, will you need to have a replacement over time?

Mechanical valves can last for decades, however some do eventually need to be replaced because of clot formation or scar tissue ingrowth.

Question 39: Why is a structural defect (CHD) called a disease?

That's a great question.  Congenital Heart Disease is a common term, but it would be more correct to call these congenital anomalies, which means a less common way the structures are formed.

Question 40: Left atrial appendage clip. Why is that not offered routinely in SAVR or during a Ross?

There is currently a large trial looking at whether it is beneficial to clip the appendage in patients who don't have atrial fibrillation.  Stay tuned.

Question 41: With a Ross open heart surgery at 60 yrs old, is it possible I won’t need another surgery if I live to 90’s? Or will I most likely need a new pulmonary or aortic before then? Which valve with Ross will I more likely need to get replaced later? Will it just be one more TAVR — or open heart — how does that work?

Our current understanding is that the pulmonary valve is most likely to need replacement in Ross patients over time.  Often this can be done with transcatheter replacement.  There is very little data on Ross out to 30 years.

Question 42: You said that a valve replacement for an older patient lasts longer. How old is an “older patient"? And, is it really that the valve lasts longer? Or, the valve isn’t needed as long due to life expectancy?

Valves actually do last longer.  It is likely that younger patients have more active calcium metabolism that contributes to valves wearing out faster.  In patients less than 30 years old, durability of bioprosthetic valves is often less than 10 years, whereas the same valve may last 15-20 years in patients in their 60's.

Question 43: I have severe aortic stenosis. I am 67 years old. I was heavily radiated in my chest due to cancer when I was six. I am concerned about open heart because I don’t know the condition of my lungs. My arteries are small so TAVR does not have long term solutions. I feel very stuck.

Radiation heart disease requires some special considerations.  We have a dedicated team here at Northwestern that takes care of the heart, lungs, special imaging requirements and looks at surgical and transcatheter options

Question 44: I am writing for my wife. She has Tricuspid Valve in 5th stage and Mitral valve in 4th stage. Due to doctor mistakes in this country, she had a stroke and due to that her right side of her body has severe effect. Now she has Dementia (Dementia may be due to different condition we know). But she has my hope to repair Tricuspid or Mitral valve?

I'm sorry this is a difficult question to answer without having any echocardiogram imaging or other clinical information to review.

Question 45: I had SAVR six years ago to address congenital bicuspid stenosis. I'm now 69.  Does the fact that I do a lot of daily exercise mean than I'm hastening the need for another valve replacement?

Fortunately no.  Exercise is not a known risk factor for valve degeneration

Question 46: How significant is a left atrial appendage closure during a mitral valve repair, as a preventive measure?

There is an ongoing study looking at left atrial appendage closure for prevention.

Question 47: When I had mitral valve repair (done via robot) it was sold as a 'life time repair'. Are there any stats on how long MVP repairs last?

Many large studies have shown that 90 % or more of mitral valve repairs are working well at 10 years.  Long term durability depends on how the valve leaflets progress.  Keep in mind that by definition valve repair is treating a valve that had some weakness to start with.

Question 48: What can a SAVR  biological valve recipient do to maximize valve longevity?

There aren't any lifestyle choices that have been shown to impact valve durability.  Best to focus on overall heart health.

Question 49: What is the forecast growth of an ascending aorta in a 74 year-old with bicuspid aortic valve? It is currently at 4.2 cm and the valve has severe stenosis.

What we know is that a 4.2 cm ascending aorta is unlikely to need repair within 5 years, however a valve with severe stenosis should be treated.

Question 50: Fascinating info. And of interest to someone like me who has had 2 previous heart surgeries: a 2001 sternotomy to remove a cardiac hemangioma and a 2018 thoracotomy to repair mitral valve regurgitation. Scar tissue from first surgery prevented a less invasive second procedure through ribs. God forbid I ever need another heart valve surgery, but the transcatheter procedure seems awesome! Jen

Glad to hear you are doing well after 2 prior surgeries.  There are a lot of good options should you ever need another valve procedure.

Question 51: Are there any actions that a 74 year-old TAVR patient can take to extend the longevity of the biologic valve?

Just have the valve followed with echo every year and take care of your overall health.

Question 52: When you monitor a biological valve via echo post implantation what is the most important metric to track? Gradients or DVI?  Also is there anything that can be done to preserve a Bio valve and make it last longer?

Generally gradient is the most accepted metric.  See above questions about making valves last.

Question 53: I had a mitral valve repair 16 years ago. I get yearly ultrasounds at home but have never followed up with my surgeon. The "future" was never discussed.

Getting yearly echos is the best way to follow your valve.  Sounds like you are doing the right things.

Question 54: I just had my third SAVR on 4/10/26 with hemiarch replacement. Is there anything I can do (diet/medication/etc) to reduce calcification in the new valve?

See above.

Question 55: I had open heart Nov. 2019 at Northwestern, I have Inspiris Resilia aortic valve with replacement of ascending aorta as well.  When should I come back to Northwestern for monitoring? Who should I see.  I had seen Dr. Bonow and Dr. Pham did my procedure.

We can set you up with a cardiologist to follow your valve and aorta.

Question 56: I had 3 valves repaired 2 years ago. What type of follow-up testing should I have on a regular basis to determine if all 3 valves are functioning properly?

Yearly echo is recommended.

Question 57: What type of surgery would be required to repair a paravalvular leak in a biological aorta valve replaced via open heart surgery approximately 2 years ago that is now causing chronic inflammatory autoimmune hemolytic anemia?  Original cardiac surgeon has said too risky to have another open heart approach.

Sorry to hear about the leak.  In some cases a leak like this can be plugged using a catheter.  In other cases surgery makes the most sense, but it is important to consult with a team that sees and treats this problem a lot.

Question 58: Does a Coronary Artery Calcium score of 148 in the LAD, apoB Level 136, ldl 167 mean a more difficult MVP repair?

No lipid numbers do not necessarily change how difficult it is to repair a mitral valve.

Question 59: For bicuspid aortic regurgitation, if the Ross procedure can be done... Why can't a donor pulmonary valve be place directly into the aortic valve so they will not touch the pulmonary valve itself.

Donor pulmonary valves don't last long in the aortic position.  The procedure you are describing can be done using a donor aortic valve, called a homograft.  This is a very effective therapy but the surgery, and reoperations, are more involved than placing a standard animal valve, and therefore it is not performed as often.

Question 60: Are you familiar with the new Valvosoft non-invasive ultrasound therapy?  I received it earlier this week in Paris and had excellent results.  I went from severe to moderate aortic stenosis after a 70-minute procedure.

Yes.  There is a single small study of Valvosoft, however there was no control group in the study.  It is too early to say whether this technology will change outcome for patients with aortic stenosis over the long term.

Question 61: I would like your opinion on Edward Magna Perimount, the former valve before the Resilia tissue from Edwards, and which is the lifespan of the possible future valve in valve re-replacement.

There is a lot of experience with valve in valve using the Magna valve, however much of the data on durability of valve in valve is relatively short.

Question 62: I am in Australia and had mitral valve repair 6 years ago and it is still leaking moderately. I'm 71 female and fit and healthy. I am interested in knowing if these procedures are available in Australia and do you know how advanced we are here.

The transcatheter mitral valve repair is available in Australia, particularly in Sydney.

Question 63: My doctor is suggesting a TEE because two different reports from echo moderated regulation left I have mitral prolapse other is showing severe. Also, the doctor said I can’t have minimally-invasive because of scoliosis on left side of back. What options do I have? I’m 70.

This sounds like a question that would require a detailed review of your imaging to answer.  Our team would be happy to help

Question 64: I don’t understand how valve-in-valve makes sense. You keep a calcified diseased valve in the body and then put another valve into it, introducing more foreign substance into your body.  How is this a good idea? Can’t calcium break off and travel through the body? I have had 2 OHS-1st to repair MV and TV. 2nd to replace MV less than a year later when the ring had dehiscence. They used a biological valve to prepare for V-O-V when needed. 5 months after 2nd surgery I found I have Ovarian cancer. Hence, how much artificial stuff do I want to continue to introduce into my body? I am really struggling with this.

The risk of stroke with valve in valve is quite low and any calcium in the valve is trapped behind the new valve. Calcium breaking off is very rare but can happen. The recovery would be faster and enable you to tend to your other medical problems.

Question 65: I had a mitral valve repair done 16 years ago. I get yearly ultrasounds but have never returned to the hospital. At the time of surgery we never discussed the "future". Should I reach out for a follow up even if my ultasound has not changed?

If your ultrasound is stable there is likely no need.

Question 66: Is 54 too old for a Ross Procedure?  I have bicuspid valve with severe regurgitation and my LVEF is 51%, asymptomatic.  I go back in September.  Thank you!

No, 54 is not too old, but this is a decision that should be made together with an expert valve team in order to understand all of the options.

Question 67: My younger brother and two younger sisters have had aortic valve replacement due to bicuspid valves. I'm 80 yrs old and found out 2 yrs ago, that I also have a bicuspid valve and being monitored. At this age is a TAVR as 1st procedure a possibility? Very mild stenosis.  Normal EF.

With mild stenosis it doesn't sound like any procedure is necessary now.  Whether TAVR is feasible depends on where calcium is on the valve and the size and shape of the aortic root as well as the position of the coronary arteries.

Question 68: Hi, first of all thank you for inviting me to your wonderful webinar. I am joining you from Ireland.  My question is, I have tricuspid and mitral regurgitation and I am very symptomatic. My exercise capacity is, I can only walk for about 2/3 minutes on flat before my chest hurts and my heart beats like it’s going to explode. I am very SOB my oxygen sats drop walking and lying down, and I have little energy daily.  I also get jaw pain / pressure and pressure in my neck. I am 66 years old.

Thank you for joining us.  It definitely seems like your valves should be evaluated for repair or replacement!

Question 69: I had a TAVR for aortic stenosis at 74 two years ago. The biological bovine valve was not huge. If I need a 2nd valve replacement, are the native and 1st valve removed if a minimally invasive or full “zipper” surgical procedure is performed? I am very active, asymptomatic and have no secondary medical issues at this time.

At surgery both the native and TAVR valves are removed, regardless of the incision.

Question 70: Can an enlarged left atrium-due to mitral valve issues be reduced?  Two years post open heart mitral valve repair and I see conflicting information on this.  Thank you,  Kathy

The left atrium does sometimes reduce in size after correction of mitral regurgitation, but the change may be minor.

Question 71: Any word on studies, aimed at alternative to Warfarin, for older mechanical Aortic valve?

At the moment there is no alternative to warfarin even for newer mechanical valves.

Question 72: I had a mitral valve replacement at Rush in Chicago in 2018. I’m a fit 63 y/o woman and want to continue my active life. Wondering if I can do cold plunges?

Should be fine.

Question 73: I am 8 weeks post open heart for a mitral valve repair. I have trusted my team to make the determination of my treatment, should I have become an expert at this level of types of procedures before my surgery? On an aside, what additional recommendations are there for me to do as I look forward in my treatment.

Finding a good team is probably the best recommendation we can make. So much of the treatment needs to be individualized to the patient.

Question 74: I had mitral valve repair 6 years ago via zipper surgery.  AtriClip was used.  The valve is now leaking again.  What are my options?

It would be important to look at the echo images to determine what options are available.  We would be happy to help with this.

Question 75: I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation in late 2022. I didn’t have any symptoms until March 7 of 2024 where I became lightheaded and hypotensive. The echocardiogram in the ER showed a flail mitral valve at first then ruptured. How often does this happen? And what places a person to have their mitral valve disease progress quickly?

Some people with mitral valve prolapse will rupture one of the chordae which keep the valve in place, resulting in a "flail" leaflet and severe regurgitation.  We don't always know who is at risk for this, and it can sometimes happen without symptoms.

Thanks to Dr. Doug Johnston and Dr. Anita Asgar!

On behalf of our entire patient community, I want to extend a very special thanks to Dr. Johnston and Dr. Asgar for taking the time to answer these important questions. The responses demonstrate why lifetime planning is so important for people with heart valve disease. Treatment decisions are rarely based on one factor alone. A patient’s age, symptoms, heart function, anatomy, previous procedures, valve size and long-term goals may all influence the best path forward.

Please remember that these responses are intended for general education and should not replace an individualized evaluation by an experienced medical team. Thanks again to Dr. Johnston, Dr. Asgar and the Northwestern Medicine team for their extraordinary commitment to educating and empowering heart valve patients!

Related Links:

• Download the "Long-Term Heart Valve Success eBook"

• Watch the "Long-Term Heart Valve Success" webinar

Keep on tickin!
Adam