Search results

Dr. Hodges is a surgeon at Northwestern Medicine. I found his presentation very well put together- excellent use of data and references and well communicated. In my view, the entire hour long presentation is well worth the watch, but here is a timeline for some of his points: 3:00 - Start of...

Paxlovid is the current leading anti-viral being used to treat COVID. For those of us on warfarin, please be aware that Paxlovid affects the clearance of warfarin and can have the effect of either increasing or decreasing INR. If you happen to be prescribed Paxlovid, please monitor your INR...

I believe Dr. Inderpaul Birdi does a good job describing ascending aortic aneurysm and also the 2022 ACC/AHA guidelines for when surgery is indicated. The guidelines differ depending on whether a person has a bicuspid aortic valve or a tricuspid aortic valve and also depend on whether you are...

I’d have to say that this is the most concise summary of bicuspid aortic valve that I’ve ever heard. In just 2 minutes he covers it very well, explaining what it is and the issues surrounding the condition.

Interesting outcomes for this recently published randomized trial. It suggests better outcomes for asymptomatic patients, when their aortic stenosis becomes severe, vs waiting for symptoms to develop. "Conclusion In asymptomatic patients with severe AS, early surgery reduced a primary...

This sounds pretty bad. Has anyone on the forum experienced anything like this? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047840/

To all the mothers out there: Happy Mother's Day!

Some old school physicians warn patients on warfarin to limit vitamin k intake. This study suggests that vitamin K can help stabilize INR. The often repeated phrase of "dose the diet don't diet the dose" not only applies, but a healthy dose of vegatables rich in vitamin k, in addition to...

The AVATAR Trial: " A strategy of early valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis in the absence of symptoms may be more beneficial than watchful waiting in carefully selected patients, the AVATAR trial suggests."...

Here is my view. There are few subjects that are more serious than the life and death realities that those with valve disease face. By its very nature, the morbidity of the topics discussed on this board is unavoidable. Yet at times, we still have moments of humor here. And I think this is just...

For those of you already on the other side, how has your return to exercise gone for you? - Are you able to exercise at the same level as before surgery? If so, how long did it take to return to pre-surgical levels? -I am well aware that many had symptoms which impaired physical exercise just...

I am going to put down some personal goals that I have set for myself as I recover from my valve surgery. I encourage all to do the same. We can encourage one another and keep each other accountable. They can be weight related, fitness related, goals for recovery, getting ready for surgery...

My aortic valve replacement surgery is coming up in 4 days. I’d love to have input from others as to what recommendations they were given prior to surgery. I’ve reviewed the limited guidance that they gave me for diet and supplements prior, took a look at what some medical sites recommend and...

Hi all. My valve replacement is set for March 22. The surgeon prefers that my cardiologist, his favorite, does my cath. But, my cardiologist is booked until March 19, three days before my valve surgery date. Ideally, I'd rather get the cath done a week prior, so that I have full recovery from...

Hi all. I have really enjoyed being here on the forum for the past few months and appreciate all the shared experiences and knowledge. I’m 53. My BAV and moderate aortic stenosis was discovered 20 months ago. I’ve stayed in the moderate range on my echos, with AVA 1.1cm2 on my last two, but...

I am very happy to have found this forum- such a wealth of information and so helpful when others share their experiences. About 18 months ago, at age 52, investigation into a murmur led to my diagnoses with bicuspid aortic valve with moderate aortic stenosis, near the severe threshold with...