aortic stenosis

Posted By ron m. on November 24, 1998 at 12:23:41:







i lead an extremely active life style.my aortic stenosis has been very mild up until several months ago.my latest echo indicates a mean gradient of 18mm with a peak of 50mm and the valve area is 1.0cm. i've had some mild momentary dizziness when standing up or getting out of bed and ocassionally when i go out for a run i can experience some light headedness that goes away if i rest for a moment.i have about a million questions and concerns. but a few are; is aortic stenosis considerd mild or moderate based on the mean or peak gradient?my tolorance and desire to be very active are still very high,if i maintain a cardiac output or heart rate that is within my areobic range is that ok? what about light weight work?lastly, everything i've heard to date has been to "keep whatever plumbing you've got" until you absolutely have to replace it.but if i have to lead a life where i'm always anxious about what i can and can't do,wouldn't it be better to just replace it sooner rather than later?