AVR Surgery

Posted By ITB on December 29, 1998 at 10:51:35:







I am a 37 y.o. male, very physically active. Diagnosed with aortic stenosis at age 15. Historically asymptomatic.
After my recent ultrasound,15 DEC 98, my cardiologist stated that my valve pressure was at 49 degrees of mercury (correct?), up from 41, 18 months ago. He stated the cut-off for AVR is 53 degrees. Cardiologist has placed me on Vasotec to see my reponse. My questions are:
1.  Is Vasotec temporarily delaying the inevitable?
Dr. stated he has a patient on Vasotec for 5 yrs....
2.  After surgery, how active can I remain?
I skydive, SCUBA, ski, run, lift, and all-around am physically pretty dynamic.
3.  Is minimally invasive surgery a realistic possibility?