Re: aortic valve replacement

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on June 28, 1998 at 21:28:24:

In Reply to: aortic valve replacement posted by Gerry on June 24, 1998 at 10:49:27:






I am 47 years old and am scheduled to have aortic valve replacement surgery in 2 weeks.My only question is "Is now the time to do it?" My cardiologist says doing the surgery will preserve the heart functioning I have. My last echocardiogram done in early May 1998 indicated severe regurgitation with mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. The left ventricle was mildly dilated during diastole with a slight degree of diffuse hypokinesia with a preserved ejection fraction of approximately 50%.
I also have mitral valve prolapse with no regurgitation.
In four years the degree of the aortic regurgitation has gone from moderate to severe.
Naturally I' m nervous about the surgery and I just want to know if it's the right thing to do. Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.
If possible, I need a quick response. Thank you.



  
Gerry, thank you for your question.  From the information you've provided, I
agree with your cardiologist's recommendation.  Aortic regurgitation (AR)
progresses slowly over many years, but can only be definitively treated with
valve replacement or in certain situations, valve repair.  Echocardiograms
are followed because how the ventricle responds to chronic AR determines when
it's time to operate.  Once the left ventricle starts to dilate, as in your case,
the aortic valve needs to be fixed.  If the AR is left unchecked after the
ventricle begins to dilate, congestive heart failure will develop and the
left ventricle may become permanently damaged. Aortic valve surgery is a major
surgery, but in the hands of an experienced surgeon, a young patient like yourself
will have a very good prognosis.  There are many options regarding valve replacement
and possibly valve repair. If you search the archives of the heart forum under
frequently asked questions, you'll find many questions and responses regarding
the topic of aortic valve surgery.  Once you've read these questions, then you
could talk to your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon about what the plans are for
replacing/repairing your aortic valve.   Overall, it sounds like it's time
to undergo valve replacement.  I hope this information helps.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Specific
diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.