Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement

Hello @karenmw and welcome to Mayo Connect. I wish I had an answer to that question, however, from personal experience, I think that it is a watch and wait approach. I developed heart valve issues at age 11, and now as an older adult it is still in the "moderate" range.

When it comes to heart health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. This would include exercise and healthy eating. Having regular check-ups with the cardiologist is important as well.

I'm sure that you have probably had an echocardiogram. This way, your doctor can know your ejection fraction (EF). Here is a link from Mayo Clinc with an explanation of EF,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/expert-answers/ejection-fraction/faq-20058286
There are also meds that can help keep your heart stronger and work more efficiently until valve replacement or repair is a viable option.

How long have you been dealing with aortic stenosis? What does your cardiologist have to say about the things you can do, or how long it may take to progress?

Been diagnosed with, AORTIC STENOSIS recently, after a routine operation of a basal removal on my face, the doctor picks up the problem.

The reaction of the cardiologist surprised me when he just wants to go in with open heart surgery and replace with a manically valve asap.

not sure what he did, it looks like a sonar that his assistant put against my chest not sure if that is the echocardiogram??

I do not have any symptoms and are very fit, been training almost 2 years after some cancer removal on my arm. Lost 20 kg and can walk 10 km easily without getting weak at all.

I told my doctor to give some time to just take in everything,
I will go for my follow-up with the heart doctor beginning of FEB.

SO, I guess that my problem is having no symptoms and opening my heart as a very difficult decision and feel very unnecessary will try and find out what my ejection fraction (EF) is. and it will be good to know what medicine to take, but I am sure he will tell me on the next appointment

Overall, a very stressful time
Thank you for your time

Johan

@johansouthafrica
Hello Johan and welcome to Mayo Connect. You are asking good questions about the need for a valve replacement surgery. As you are quite active with no symptoms of heart problems, I can understand why you would be concerned that you are being told to have open heart surgery. If you did have an echocardiogram, then the report should tell you about your ejection fraction. It might be abbreviated "EF" on the report. Do you have a copy of that report?

As I am assuming that you do not reside in the U.S. you might not be aware of a less invasive procedure to repair aortic heart valves. It is abbreviated, TAVR. Here is a link toa link from Mayo Clinic's website with information about this procedure,
--Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698
As TAVR is a less invasive than open heart surgery, the recovery time can be shorter. On Connect, we have members who have posted about this procedure. Here is a link to two of those discussions,
--TAVR recovery process
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tavr-recovery-process/
--Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacement/
TAVR is most likely best done by doctors experienced in this procedure. I look forward to hearing from you again. Will continue to post with other questions and concerns?

Thank you for the information, will study it and get back to you .

I look forward to hearing from you, @johansouthafrica. Please continue to post with questions or concerns.

Hello Johan. I have also recently been diagnosed with same stenosis of the aortic valve. My yet to be done procedure is TAVR far less intrusive vs open heart. I highly recommend a second opinion. Please see the articles on TAVR on this site. God bless and good luck !

Dear Johan
I had open heart surgery in 2018 and had the main valve replaced with a cow part. My heart was fine but I was born with a small valve.
I was in the hospital 15 days because did not know that I was allergic to Heperin.
I recently had a Doppler Echocardiogram and not being a doctor I too do not know what all the info means. I will be having another test done in March.
Others that mention the new procedure TAVR are correct that it is less evasive.
They also have a test that they go through your arm pit.
Please try not to stress because that won't help you. If you have high blood pressure or once in awhile AFIB your doctor might want to monitor your heart for 30 days .
My surgeon from Northwestern Hospital told me after the surgery that I am good for 30 years and then might need a pace maker.
There are so many procedures now a days that yours could be as simple as blood thinners and a change of diet.
Sometimes I think that some doctors assume that we know what we are reading and the cure
to curing the issue.
Write down your questions and concerns so when you see your doctor you can ask him and feel less stressed.
Sending you blessed wishes for best of health!
Sincerely,
Betty

I had my aortic valve replaced in 2017 with open heart surgery. The surgeon said i wasn't a candidate for TAVR. I had to choose between a mechanical valve or a bovine valve. I went with the bovine to avoid blood thinners. I was in good shape but one day my feet swelled up . I was diagnosed with HF likely caused by pumping harder to get through the valve with stenosis. I think your recovery will be quick sense you are in good shape. I hope they can do TAVR for you if you need a replacement.

Can you tell me the difference between aortic valve sclerosis and aortic valve stenosis?

@mollyb1968
Aortic valve sclerosis refers to calcifications on the valve leaflets. This condition often causes aortic valve stenosis. Aortic stenosis can also be caused by congenital issues.