Been cruising along over the past 5 years feeling well and going to my yearly appointments with the outcomes being, "Looks good, see you next year." In April I started feeling heart palpitations more often and started to notice my blood pressure higher than the Dr. wanted it. In late May a high blood pressure spike sent me to the ER. An echocardiogram ordered for a few day later revealed that my aortic stenosis had gone from mild to severe in a year and my aortic valve was now regurgitating. The written report was faxed immediately to my surgeon at Duke with the image on a disk sent as well. I have tests and appointments at Duke on 6/28 & 6/29. I'm not sure if they will want me to come sooner (600 mile trip, lived part of the year near Durham and moved 2 years ago. I want to stay with my surgeon, Dr. Hughes). Needless to say I'm very nervous. Has anyone else experienced going from mild to severe in a year? Many heart palpitations? High blood pressure ? Thanks!
Lilly Black Yes I have. They don’t know why that happens. I was supposed to be good for at least 10 - 15 yrs after they fixed the aneurysm but it went down to 7 yrs. ... Read more
Lilly Black Yes I have. They don’t know why that happens. I was supposed to be good for at least 10 - 15 yrs after they fixed the aneurysm but it went down to 7 yrs. On a positive note, when I had the heart valve replacement, everything was better! I know it’s worrisome but take a deep breath, and focus. Except it and then prepare yourself for the surgery. Take one day at a time and proceed towards the surgery. I used meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. I was at peace when the day came. You will feel so much better once the valve is replaced. I’m sorry that it’s nerve wracking....totally understandable! I wish you the best....keep us posted.
Judy Shaw I went for yearly echoes for 8 years with moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation. Then something changed over the last few months. It went to severe. ... Read more
Judy Shaw I went for yearly echoes for 8 years with moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation. Then something changed over the last few months. It went to severe. I had grown accustomed to symptoms so I was unaware until my cardiologist said my heart showed I was having symptoms. I now can recognize the shortness of breath, exhaustion and heart palpitations are my heart.
Best wishes on your journey.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Yes, no murmur in January 2017, murmur and severe mitral valve regurgitation in August 2017.
Chris Wagner Mine went from moderate to severe in less than a year. I went from having no symptoms on Thursday, to symptomatic on Friday to surgery on the following Wednesday. ... Read more
Chris Wagner Mine went from moderate to severe in less than a year. I went from having no symptoms on Thursday, to symptomatic on Friday to surgery on the following Wednesday. It happens quick when it happens. Know that you are in good hands and let the professionals do what they do. Surgery was a success. May 2, 2018.
Another great appointment
Journal posted on June 17, 2017
It's been a while since I've posted. I didn't post because not much has changed. Then I realized that is a WONDERFUL thing to post! I was diagnosed in late 2013 with a bicuspid aortic valve and an ascending aortic aneurysm and since then pretty much nothing has changed. My stenosis is still moderate and the aneurysm has grown ever so slightly (4.7cm). I'm on blood pressure medication to keep my bp low to take the stress off the aneurysm. I think that works for me. So, basically what I want to stress is getting a BAV diagnosis isn't the end of the world. I've been living life with medication and not much else has changed. My Dr. said I can go on for years and not have to have anything done. Here's hoping and praying. Good luck to all. Love this website. I've learned so much. Thanks everyone !
Yesterday I went to Duke University Hospital for tests: Blood work, MRI/MRA and an echocardiogram. Today I went back to see my cardiologist, Dr. Harrison and the surgeon Dr. Hughes (he specializes in aortas). Well, I can't imagine it getting much better than it did today. When I saw Dr. Harrison for the FIRST time in March, I'm sure he had to prepare me for the worst. Having only known about this problem for less than a year, I only had my baseline tests to be diagnosed on. Well after this round of tests, my aneurysm has NOT grown, my stenosis he reclassified in the late stages of moderate instead of serious AND he said even with my problems my heart is functioning PERFECT! He wants to see me in a YEAR to repeat the tests! A year !! He said I will need to get the valve replaced and the aorta repaired within the next few years, but hey ... better then than now!
Hello everyone! I wish I had found this website 7 months ago, it could have relieved a lot of heart ache (pun intended!).
Late last summer (2013) on a routine physical, my doctor heard a heart murmur. Having never heard one before, she ordered an echocardiogram. That showed I was in severe aortic stenosis and she referred me to a cardiologist. More tests showed that I had a bicuspid aortic valve with the posterior leaf calcified in place. It also showed I had an ascending aortic aneurysm measuring almost 5 cm.
To look at me you would never know I had this problem. I'm in my early 60's and pretty physically fit. I'm retired now and before this diagnosis, I was going to the gym 3 days a week. I have low cholesterol and my blood pressure is on the low side, too. I still am able to walk my dog and golf. All in all, I feel pretty good. So needless to say, that diagnosis floored me! My local cardiologist said I would need surgery within a year.
Wanting to get a second opinion I started doing some research on hospitals, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. I decided to head to Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. In March 2014, I met with Dr. J. Kevin Harrison at Duke. He probably spent almost an hour with me explaining in great detail what I mentioned above (something my local doctor apparently felt I didn't need to know because he never mentioned my sizable aneurysm). He gave me appointments for 3 months out for an MRI, MRA, echocardiogram and blood work with an appointment with him and the surgeon, Dr. Chad Hughes for the following day.
The 3 months out is this Thursday and Friday (6/19 and 6/20).
I've also been researching mechanical and tissue valves. If anyone wants to share their opinions both pro and con, I would appreciate it.
I will journal after my tests. Thanks so much !
Uploading your photo!
Best wishes on your journey.