I have been advised by my cardiologist, after having an angiogram,
that I have moderate to severe aortic stenosis due to calcification of
the aortic valve.
I have the choice of a natural valve which requires further
replacement in 10-15 years (I am 57 years old) or go to a mechanical
valve which requires a permanent regime of Warfarin. (I have slightly
raised chlorestrol count and am on Zocor which has a reaction with the
anti-coagulant).
Since being told of the operation I have shed weight (nearly 8kg from
my earlier weight of 103kg). I feel great and can walk quite briskly,
but not up hills without getting puffed and some minor chest pain.
If you were in my position, would you put off the operation until one
couldn’t do the more baisc things of life?
Also, when you come to having the operation whcih type of valve would
you choose and what criteria would you use to make that choice?