Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Aortic Valve Replacement When you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and know that valve replacement surgery is inevitable, what is to be gained by waiting for surgery "in the future"? I do have some symptoms (periodic shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, occasional dizziness), but am otherwise very healthy. I have my second echo next week. Other than being on coumadin the rest of my life (which I hear is no big deal really), wouldn't it be best to go ahead with the surgery and get on with my life? Those few who know about my "condition" say, "Well, maybe you will find out it will be okay." Okay? It's not the flu!! I feel like I am waiting for other shoe to drop, if you know what I mean. How short of breath does one have to be or how many palpitations--what is the degree? Should I approach the doctor with this or just wait and see what he says? Would the next step be a heart cath or Holter monitor or some such or would he likely take me right to surgery? Any suggestions? Thanks so much! (Anecdotally, I just returned home from evacuating for Hurricane Georges, but wondering which way the hurricane was going was mild compared to the hurricane I feel inside just wanting to get on with whatever is to be!) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Susan It is understandable that you are anxious to get on with the surgery. If you are having symptoms that are related to the valve being too tight, there is not much use in waiting. If your doctor feels that your symptoms are not clearly related to the valve and if the degree of stenosis is mild, it is reasonable to just follow your echo periodically. How tight is the valve? A cardiac catheterization is often necessary to exclude concomitant coronary artery disease and identify the possible need for coronary artery bypass surgery. You did not mention your age or risk factors for heart disease, which would impact on the need for a catheterization. A catheterization could also be used to confirm the degree of aortic stenosis. I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck. Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15. | |
