aortic valve failure

[Nancy0323]

One year ago I had aortic heart valve replacement due to bicuspid aortic valve.  I have a pigs valve and was tolds to expect it to last 15 - 20 years. Last week I had a TEE test and was told that my valve is already starting to narrow
significantly.  What would cause this to happen?  I am 58 years old, I am in good health, 5'4 and 140 pounds.  I walk on my treadmill for at least 30 minutes everyother day.  My blood pressure is under control.

[kenkeith]

Sometimes hemodynamics stress and mechanical forces can break down the cells and calcification can be accelerated by those factors.  One year seems rather fast to begin to see calcification especially if you have a healthy diet, exercise, etc. Does your doctor have an opinion?

Ken


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