Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement

My husband learned in late 2016 he had an enlarged heart valve. He was prescribed statin. In 2017 he had echo that showed bicuspid aortic valve, aortic stenosis and aortic aneurysm. He was told they would monitor each year for size and explained symptoms to let them know. In 2018 had echo the tech asked if he was light headed or dizzy as his heart rate was 40. He said no. The NP said watch and wait. After that I noticed he was fatigued, sometimes he would get lightheaded when standing, sat to rest when out, etc. He always told me he was good. In February 2019 we took him to ER as diabetes was high, fatigue, fell into chairs, etc. The doc found he had a silent stroke at some time. Neurologist did so much work up for her purposes and other doctors. Had event monitoring for 30 days. Had to call for finding after 1 1/2 months. Received message from cardiologist office RN that said fine. In may we called 911 cuz he fell and then passed out cold with eyes open. The ER said all was okay and PC and hospitalist didn't think he needed to be admitted. BUT, they kept him for three days to monitor. Found out after he was in telemetry. Went for follow up this week he is now hypotension and bradycardia. Has another event monitoring now for 30 days and was told he would have echo-tavr test. Not sure what is happening. Any thoughts?

Hello @onthego3 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear of your aortic valve calcification. While I do not know the specifics of your condition, I've been under the impression that Aortic Stenosis is treatable with surgery, however, perhaps your situation has some exceptions. Have you sought a second opinion? I don't know what part of the country you live in, but you might seek a large university medical center for a second opinion. Please share with us some of your symptoms and the history of your valve problem. We look forward to getting to know you better and once again welcome to this patient-oriented website!

Hi! I discovered I have aortic stenosis when I had my 2d echo done way back in 2007. The opening of my aortic valve was 1.1cm2 then. I do not feel any of the symptoms. It appears that my aortic valve is bicuspid instead of tricuspid. I was advised by my doctor to have a valve replacement but until now have not had the suggested valve replacement. I followed the medication prescribed by my cardiologist. In 2011, I decided to have regular acupuncture performed by a Chinese Eastern Medicine doctor. I also took herbal tea which their clinic provided. I stopped taking the tea after 2 years. Three years ago, I began to feel shortness of breath when I climb the stairs and when I have long fast walk. I stop carrying heavy bags. I easily get colds and cough. When I have cough, sometimes it takes 3 to 4 weeks before it is gone. I have difficulty breathing when I cough. Recently, I had the 24 hour dopler test. The doctor was worried that in several instances, my heart stop for 6 seconds but I was asleep when it happened. He told me to consider valve replacement. I asked my cargio how long will I live if i do not have the valve replacement and the answer was 2 years, and during those 2 years, I may not be as stable as I am now.

Im praying for guidance if I should go for it. There is a non-invasive replacement now that will not involve open heart surgery and recovery period is shorter than the open heart surgery.

I am now 66 years old. Pls help me decide. Thanks.

Divmercy

Yes its called tavr some people go home the next day..they dont open your chest it is done by catheter i am having it done in 2 weeks

Ok, I have never had anything done in 63 years. I still have my tonsils! So, out of the blue I have been told I need to have my aorta replaced. I am not nervous right now. Am in great hands with my surgeon. He says I'm tall, thin and my heart is in great shape, except for the aorta thing. I am a teacher and really not liking being away from my students for a whole month. My dr. said he is going in from the side as my sternum is so big he doesn't need all that space and won't have to go thru my chest. So, everything is very positive. The surgery is scheduled for January 6. I'm sure my nerves will start working on me as the date gets closer. Any advice on staying positive will be greatly appreciated. Thank you sincerely.

Hi @johnbflat. Great to hear about your good results with the TAVR. I had mine at age 56, and I’m 60 now, and the valve is still working perfectly with no changes except possibly the slight leak around the edge has diminished. I don’t think there is good long-term data about the current generation of valves last since they are new and in earlier years TAVRs we’re done only on high-risk patients who didn’t have the same long-term prospects. I have the same question as you about Covid risks for those of us with replacement valves, fully vaccinated, of course. we have been extremely cautious, but I am very active and would like to travel and circulate more. Maybe someone else here can share some information about Covid and replacement heart valves?

Thanks for sharing, Alex & EJ. Nice to hear from you both with more than 4 years on TARV and everything is still working well.
My wife & I are very cautious about prevention of a Covid infection. Several others in the family had Covid infections. They all being fully vacinated, as we both are, their cases were not worse than a regular cold or flu so it makes us wonder if we are being too cautious. Not knowing how Covid infections react to the bovine tissue in a TAVR value keeps us locked into being very cautious. Wishing there was more info.