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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Valve replacement in the elderly
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Valve replacement in the elderly
by Ane-Thomas, Feb 28, 1999 12:00AM
My 84-year-old mother has aortic stenosis which has deteriorated to the
point that the cardiologist has recommended valve replacement. She is living
a comfortable, symptom-free existence in a retirement home where she is very
happy. She is inclined NOT to go through the surgery and I am in support of
this. However, we would all like some more information about this surgery
in the elderly. Can you direct me to references or statistics about success
of the surgery and quality of life afterwards (her main concern) in someone
of her age? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Cardio MD - MTR, Feb 28, 1999 12:00AM
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Dear Anne, thank you for your question. I agree with you that valve replacement surgery in octagenerians should be carefully thought over. The success of such surgery in this age group mainly depends on coexisting medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, kidney dysfunction, pulmonary disease) and the function of the left ventricle (which may deteriorate if aortic stenosis is far progressed). However, perioperative mortality is much higher in patients in their 80's than in younger patients. Thus, I can't quote you any specific statistics about the potential success of surgery or her quality of life because I don't know enough information about your mother. Answers to these questions also depend on the severity of the aortic stenosis. If aortic stenosis progresses, then your mother could develop symptoms like fainting spells, chest pain, or heart failure. Therefore, I suggest that you and your mother meet with her cardiologist to have a comprehensive discussion.
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. Good luck.
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.
