About Me (In My Own Words)
My name is Mike Heinze and I am 58 years old. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a young child and ever since have been going to Cleveland Clinic for regular check-ups. Through the development of new diagnostic equipment, Cleveland Clinic determined my murmur was a bicuspid aorta valve. The Clinic has been tracking pressures and velocities across the valve as a preventive measure for several years.
At my last visit early this summer, my valve metrics changed from the previous visit, and my Cardiologist asked for a Stress Echo test 6 weeks ago. This revealed that my aortic stenosis was in the very severe range and I needed a valve replacement along with a potential ascending aorta replacement prosthesis graft. I am scheduled to have surgery on November 30 at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Johnston.
I am trying to decide whether to go forward with a mechanical or biological valve, but I am leaning towards an On-X valve as I understand this type of valve may require lower blood thinner levels. I am hoping your input will assist me in my valve selection as well as to help me prepare for the upcoming surgery.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Canton, Michigan
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My surgery date is:
November 30, 2021
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Doug Johnston
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic