Penelope's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 16, 2014

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About Me

A routine physical showed a heart murmur. Followed up with tests that showed I have a bicuspid aortic valve with the posterior leaflet already calcified in place, moderate aortic stenosis with an ascending aortic aneurysm.
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    I am from: Cape Coral, Florida, United States
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    My surgery date was: July 26, 2018
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    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm
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    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement, Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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    My doctor is: Dr. G. Chad Hughes
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    My hospital is: Duke University Hospital

Upcoming Surgeries

Greg Sturgill
Aortic Regurgitation
August 14, 2026
Michael Zink
Aortic Stenosis
August 18, 2026
Debby Fort
Mitral Regurgitation
August 18, 2026

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 5,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.