Mike From Michigan
Active member
I was just told last week that it may be time for the aortic valve replacement surgery. I am 43, work out a lot (but know my limits because of the AS) and am in very good shape. I was 1st told of my AS when I was 21.
I just had a battery of tests done and went the full 15 minutes on the treadmill stress test without any symptoms (which surprised the doctor and technician). However, my echo results were not as good. My pressure gradient was about 50 mm Hg and my valve area was about 1.0 sq. cm; both of those are on the cusp of calling my condition severe according to the cardiologist. About the only time I feel any symptoms at all are when I do any impromptu physical activity without any warm-up - the most recent was playing with my kids outside. Hence, he recommended that I start consulting with some surgeons...
I am now a little scared of course but also wondering if I should wait until I at least get some symptoms or go ahead and get it done now. The Dr. said it was up to me at this point since I am in a gray area. I have no idea what to do - he also said if I do talk with a surgeon they will more than likely recommend surgery.
Also, I am of course wondering what valve choice would be the best choice since I am a pretty active person - I coach a lot of kid's sports.
Any help I can get on this will be appreciated. I "almost" wish I had more definitive symptoms to make me feel like it is indeed the time to be cut open...
Thanks,
Mike T.
I just had a battery of tests done and went the full 15 minutes on the treadmill stress test without any symptoms (which surprised the doctor and technician). However, my echo results were not as good. My pressure gradient was about 50 mm Hg and my valve area was about 1.0 sq. cm; both of those are on the cusp of calling my condition severe according to the cardiologist. About the only time I feel any symptoms at all are when I do any impromptu physical activity without any warm-up - the most recent was playing with my kids outside. Hence, he recommended that I start consulting with some surgeons...
I am now a little scared of course but also wondering if I should wait until I at least get some symptoms or go ahead and get it done now. The Dr. said it was up to me at this point since I am in a gray area. I have no idea what to do - he also said if I do talk with a surgeon they will more than likely recommend surgery.
Also, I am of course wondering what valve choice would be the best choice since I am a pretty active person - I coach a lot of kid's sports.
Any help I can get on this will be appreciated. I "almost" wish I had more definitive symptoms to make me feel like it is indeed the time to be cut open...
Thanks,
Mike T.