Re: aortic valve replacement

Posted By Gerry on June 29, 1998 at 09:02:14:

In Reply to: aortic valve replacement posted by Gerry on June 29, 1998 at 08:56:27:






: Thank you for your quick response to my question. You provide a very valuable service. Please post where and how contributions can be made to your clinic. Again, thanks.
Gerry



  
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.