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Stenosis query
by Mariska68, Jan 27, 2008 04:29AM
Hi. I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis in 2005. The Echo findings state the condition as mild, mitral valve regurgitation, but not clear if bicuspid or resulting from rheumatism. Just a few queries:
1. How many times do you need a check-up with a cardiologist?
2. What is the estimated lifespan time for this heart disease to progress to severe?
3. Is an operation inevitable, or are there advances in alternative medicine to reduce the problem?
4. What is the symptoms and what are the changes needed to be made to ones lifestyle?
5. Have been advised to have an internal catheter scan to determine cause (ie: congenital or rheumatism). Does knowing the cause make a difference to the disease progression?
6. If stenosis is genetic related, can it be passed on to children?
Any medical information would be useful.
Thanks so much in advance for your reply.
MJL
1. How many times do you need a check-up with a cardiologist?
2. What is the estimated lifespan time for this heart disease to progress to severe?
3. Is an operation inevitable, or are there advances in alternative medicine to reduce the problem?
4. What is the symptoms and what are the changes needed to be made to ones lifestyle?
5. Have been advised to have an internal catheter scan to determine cause (ie: congenital or rheumatism). Does knowing the cause make a difference to the disease progression?
6. If stenosis is genetic related, can it be passed on to children?
Any medical information would be useful.
Thanks so much in advance for your reply.
MJL
Post Comment
2. There is no definitive indicator of how long it takes to progress. Some people go their whole lives without needing surgery. I've had it done twice (one repair/one replacement.)
3. An operation is not inevitable, but it could be a very long time before you need one. I went 35 years from the time my valve was repaired to when I had it replaced.
4. No lifestyle changes are necessary unless you do drugs or smoke. You can do whatever you want until you become symptomatic. (If you get dizzy or faint during exercise that's a problem.) I run, rock climb, hike, lift weights, ski, etc. Before and after surgery.
5. I don't know if knowing the cause makes a difference to the progression, but it does provide better information to your doctor. You're sedated so it doesn't hurt. The weirdest part was feeling the dye go through my ears. It was warm.
6. I don't believe the disease is genetic.
NZ has a shortage of specialist Doctors and after my echo report I received a letter from the Auckland Hospital informing me they could not see me due to shortage of medical staff resources. Therefore not sure when I can next see a cardiologist, unless go privately of course.
I shall just keep living and enjoying life! I hope you will continue to do so too.