Re: aortic stenosis

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on October 13, 1998 at 11:27:10:

In Reply to: aortic stenosis posted by Sara on October 12, 1998 at 11:36:56:






My grandpa has aortic stenosis.  He is about 70 years old, and his doctor says that his aortic valve is about 1/3 the size it should be.  An angiogram has been recommended, along with an open heart surgery and we were wondering about the dangers of both of these procedures, and the extent to which they would prolong his life.  
Please advise.  If possible, to my personal e-mail ***@****.  Thank you.

Dear Sara:
There is about a 1/500 chance of death, heart attack or stroke from the cardiac catheterization itself. The risk of surgery would depend on exactly what type of surgery is needed; this could only be determined after the information from the catheterization is obtained. Surgery for aortic stenosis is useful for alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness. It can prevent development of heart failure.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.