Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion?

Subject: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion?

Forum: The Heart Forum

My husband is 34 years old.  He found out several years ago that he had a congenital heart defect.  The aortic valve only had two valves because the third was fused to one of the other valves.  The doctor told us that it was nothing to get concerned about and that he would more than likely have to have it replaced in his 60's.  He went in for a check-up with the specialist two years ago.  They told us that the valve opening was down to 1.7 cm.  They then told us there was still nothing to worry about and to come back in two years.  We went again in Feb.  The valve opening is now down to .9 cm.  They said that he was now considered high risk... but not to worry about it and to come back in a year.  I know that they don't want to replace the valve until it is absolutely necessary.  If he is considered high risk, why are they not wanting him back sooner than a year? My husband is always tired and getting sick about once a month. I have looked up the symptoms to watch for when the valve is getting smaller.  I have even informed some of our friends he works with to watch for the left sided heart failure.  I have also read that some people don't have any major symptoms before the valve completely fails.  We have been trying to locate information of the actual procedure that would take place, and would like to know if we should get a second opinion since the specialist that we have gone to doesn't seem to concerned?  See, we have three small children and when you put that into the picture, it makes me worry all the more.








Follow Ups:


Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/12/1999
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Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? Michalle 4/12/1999
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Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/14/1999
(5)

Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? Ted Cottrell 4/22/1999
(4)

Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/23/1999
(3)

Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD -CRC 4/23/1999
(2)

Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? Ted Cottrell 4/24/1999
(1)

Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/26/1999
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Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? Michalle 4/12/1999
(0)



Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? Susan 4/11/1999
(1)

Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/12/1999
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