Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

ce324, You might consider consulting another cardiac surgeon. https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/4/271
The transcatheter surgeries are much easier, but you need someone experienced. I'd want to proceed instead of having a surgery under emergency conditions on some holiday when the only surgeon available is exhausted.
I'd repeat the echo, with the new consult, Sometimes the sonographer doesn't have a lot of experience either.
Like you, I wouldn't be waiting six months. Your wife is blessed to have your careful attention.

@gently I agree. The descriptor 'severe' implies some urgency....not an emergency...but let's get onto this right away to get the ball rolling for surgery. That would be my preference.

@gently
As you mentioned, that was my question: why to wait?, Her answer was: because it could be another issue that won't need the mentioned surgery.
But what other issue could be? for better understanding,
Here are the test results:
Echocardiograms –
7/31/2025 - LVEF 60-65%, severe AS (peak 108, mean 72, DVI 0.17, AVA 0.5), PAP 25. AsAo 4.4
• Left Ventricle: Left ventricle size is normal. Moderate concentric hypertrophy present. Normal systolic function with an estimated EF of 60 - 65%.
• Right Ventricle: Right ventricle size is normal. Normal systolic function.
• Aortic Valve: No aortic regurgitation. Severe aortic stenosis. AV peak gradient is 108 mmHg. AV mean gradient is 72 mmHg. Dimensionless index by peak velocity is 0.17. Dimensionless index by VTI is 0.15. AV area by continuity equation is 0.5 cm2. AV area continuity by peak velocity is 0.6 cm2.
• Tricuspid Valve: Trace tricuspid regurgitation. The RVSP is estimated to be 25 mmHg.
• Aorta: Moderately dilated ascending aorta. Mildly dilated sinus of Valsalva (aortic root). The sinus of Valsalva measures 3.8 cm (Z-score ). The ascending aorta measures 4.4 cm (Z-score ).

ce324, you deserve to know what the other issue issue is. You might fax a letter to her or call and ask for a return call.
Why wait six months for retesting? Are we waiting for symptoms to prove the diagnosis?
Does the doctor think that the "other" issue might resolve in six months?
I've read about inaccurate echocardiograms that leave people in a panic. I hope it is an inaccurate echo.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448198/

@gently
Thanks for your response, I agree, I'll email her with my concerns, thanks

Hi @ce324, I see you recently joined Mayo Clinic Connect. Welcome! Kuddos for your concern with your wife’s stenosis. She has a great one looking out for her!

I see you mention your wife’s cardiologist wanting to wait to pursue any intervention until she is confident it will be necessary. Have you been able to follow up with her to get your concerns addressed?

@jlharsh
thanks for your response, yes, I e-mailed her but She is out the office, I am thinking to email to Her primary Doctor about it, but they don't want to interfere with other doctors issues. so I'll wait, thanks

@ce324, I am interested to hear what you find out. Will you come back and provide an update?

To ce324 heart attack 9/11/18 found bicuspid valve with severe aeortic stenosis recommended surgery ASAP. TAVR would not work my valves to big for what was being made so only option was pig or cow valve or mechanical valve thru open heart surgery. 2nd opinion confirmed after 5 minutes of consult with the first opinion. Then I went to mayo for 3rd option yes I needed the operation but not ASAP like I was told. Finally had the operation in June of 23 yes couple of years later. I got prepared for surgery mentally did live with the shortness of breathe though, so my advice do all the tests. Get mentally prepared I was in my late 50s you being in the 70s have the surgery and enjoy the long life you will now live good luck best wishesDave

@jlharsh
yes, I will , thanks