haemophiliac and two leaking heart valves

My dad has had one heart valve replacement with open heart surgery 3 yrs ago, he is a haemophiliac.  He now has two leaking heart valves and he is 71 yrs of age.....How dangerous is it..please be truthful as I'm sure my dad is worried about telling me it all,  also, why won't they do it again for him to put it right?

Your reply is really important to me

Yours sincerely
Kerrianne Manley

[kenkeith]

Leaking valves are classified by degree of backflow through a valve that may not close adequately and/or the opening is enlarged, etc.  It is not unusual to have some valves that leak, and the term is mild, trivial, slight, etc. leakage (regurgitation), and almost always considered medically insignificant and never advances or causes symptoms.  Moderate to severe regurgitation can cause symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, etc.

I have had moderate to severe leakage of a valve for many years, and doesn't cause any significant symptoms.  the doctor suggests waiting longer to see if any symptoms develop...and if so then there will be intervention.

Hope this answers your questions, but if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care

[cindy707]

Sorry your dad is going thru this i know its a bitter pill to swallow.  At the end of your post you asked why they wouldn't do it again to put it right.  The docs Kerrianne have at all time have to weigh out the risk vs. the benefit.  If they feel that your pop is in too high of a risk group to safely go thru the procedure they will not proceed because it wouldn't be to the benefit of your dad.  I think what comes into play is the degree of regurgitation or leaking of the valve...for many people no matter the age if it is minimal and sometimes moderate the doc may feel that there will be no consequence by leaving it alone....however you and your dad are definately entitled to the answers...i would make an appt. w. you and your dad and his doc to find out really what is going on and what the doc expects will happen in one year....3 years....5 years....and so on.  There may be more going on w. your dads health that is throwing a red flag to the doc but i would try to find out what that doc has in mind for a treatment plan for your dad and make them tell you face to face w. your dad present because they won't talk to you alone because of HIPPA laws and privacy acts.  If you aren't satisfied w. the answers the doc gives you and your dad encourage your dad to get a second opinion from a new doc that his old doc doesn't know so that its totally independent.  Good luck to you Kerrianne and if it was my dad i would be asking the exact same questions believe me..........don't stop till you get the full answer......