I am new here. I failed a stress test and am referred to Interventional Cardiologist. I have had a heart murmur for years and it has gotten worse. I have ...Read more
I am new here. I failed a stress test and am referred to Interventional Cardiologist. I have had a heart murmur for years and it has gotten worse. I have a bad aortic valve. During the recent stress test my blood pressure dropped which cause the referral. I have my first meeting with the doctor on the 16th. I had a friend (top cardiologist in a different state) look at my results, he mentioned TAVR or SAVR, so I am getting a new valve one way or the other. My question for the group, "From a patient point of view what questions should I ask in this first meeting?" I am in the Chapel Hill/Durham area is there a top guy around here or someone that I should avoid? Thanks
Susan Lynn Welcome, Dan! You've come to the right place! We've all been where you are right now. The though... Read more
Susan Lynn Welcome, Dan! You've come to the right place! We've all been where you are right now. The thought of heart surgery is quite scary, but it's very doable!
I asked tons of questions of several different cardiologists. Some initial ones might be:
When do I need to have this procedure done? Does my heart show any signs that it is overworked? What happens if I decide to wait?
What are the options to replace the valve? What are the pros and cons of each?
I also asked my cardiologist for his recommendations for surgeons who specialized in my particular procedure. Btw, I also did my own research and had several consultations before selecting my doctor. You'll need a whole new set of questions for the interviews with those folks!
It's likely your cardiologist will cover much of the information you'll need to know, but it helps to prepare and take notes. You'll only have so much time with him/ her and you want to make the most of your appointment.
If you have any questions the group can answer, please feel free to ask. Don't worry - we'll help you. You've got this!
Brady Busch Hi Dan,there are are a couple of questions I have.What's your age?Also,your comment about having a ba ... Read more
Brady Busch Hi Dan,there are are a couple of questions I have.What's your age?Also,your comment about having a bad aortic valve.What's wrong with it?Bicuspid or stenotic,because of calcium buildup,possibly both? There are surgeons that can repair some valves or do a Ross procedure. On the top part of this website page,there is a SURGEON FINDER,that may be helpful.
Dan Fouratt Brady, I am 63 I am learning the language, so I will have to do a little research on your questions. ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Brady, I am 63 I am learning the language, so I will have to do a little research on your questions. I am assuming a calcium build up. My Doctor Friend said my opening was down to 0.6 cm2 when is should be 4.0 cm2.
Susan thanks for the response.
Dan Fouratt bicuspid aortic valve has progressed to the point that during exercise
your blood pressure goes dow ... Read more
Dan Fouratt bicuspid aortic valve has progressed to the point that during exercise
your blood pressure goes down rather than up. This means you do not get
enough blood flow to your organs when you exert yourself.
Sue Maize Hi Dan and welcome! I’m glad you found this community—it has truly been a God-send to me too. A c ... Read more
Sue Maize Hi Dan and welcome! I’m glad you found this community—it has truly been a God-send to me too. A couple of weeks ago I didn’t know what questions to ask either but you’ll find lots of help here. I have immersed myself in many of the journals on this site and am grateful for all the details people have shared as I make my list of questions. I would also check out the videos Adam has posted here—there are many but they’re well organized under specific categories. I, too have a bicuspid aortic valve and am awaiting surgery to replace it. Keep reaching out—you’re not alone!
Carolyn Stone Questions I would ask are : Am I a candidate for TAVR ? Often try times the geometry of your heart, h ... Read more
Carolyn Stone Questions I would ask are : Am I a candidate for TAVR ? Often try times the geometry of your heart, heart valve, aorta make it such that you can't have a TAVR now but if you get a tissue valve rather than a metal one than you may be able to get a TAVR later like I did.
Grace Mason Have they scheduled you for a heart Cath yet? This is typically done before heart surgery. They go t... Read more
Grace Mason Have they scheduled you for a heart Cath yet? This is typically done before heart surgery. They go through your wrist or groin. You may want to inquire about which one your interventional cardiologist usually does...and previously mentioned questions
Brady Busch The blood pressure going down instead of up,was happening to me also,proven by a treadmill test. B ... Read more
Brady Busch The blood pressure going down instead of up,was happening to me also,proven by a treadmill test. Before all the tests and finding a heart murmur,about five years prior to surgery,I was mostly asymptomatic,with some some fatigue,while walking up hills,which I thought was years related,being about your age then.
Dan Fouratt Thank you for your comments. I have not been scheduled for anything yet, my first meeting is 1/19. ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Thank you for your comments. I have not been scheduled for anything yet, my first meeting is 1/19. I have a 30 year old plus heart murmur so I have been monitored for years. I am in decent shape, can run on the tread mill for 90 to 120 minutes at a decent incline intervals up to 15 degree slope. However I was told to stop that and only walk for now. My question list is growing and I appreciate that.
I am from: Chapel Hill, NC
I asked tons of questions of several different cardiologists. Some initial ones might be:
When do I need to have this procedure done? Does my heart show any signs that it is overworked? What happens if I decide to wait?
What are the options to replace the valve? What are the pros and cons of each?
I also asked my cardiologist for his recommendations for surgeons who specialized in my particular procedure. Btw, I also did my own research and had several consultations before selecting my doctor. You'll need a whole new set of questions for the interviews with those folks!
It's likely your cardiologist will cover much of the information you'll need to know, but it helps to prepare and take notes. You'll only have so much time with him/ her and you want to make the most of your appointment.
If you have any questions the group can answer, please feel free to ask. Don't worry - we'll help you. You've got this!
There are surgeons that can repair some valves or do a Ross procedure.
On the top part of this website page,there is a SURGEON FINDER,that may be helpful.
Susan thanks for the response.
your blood pressure goes dow ... Read more
your blood pressure goes down rather than up. This means you do not get
enough blood flow to your organs when you exert yourself.
B ... Read more
Before all the tests and finding a heart murmur,about five years prior to surgery,I was mostly asymptomatic,with some some fatigue,while walking up hills,which I thought was years related,being about your age then.