aortic valve problem

[sowmy]

my dad has an aortic valve which is congenital.and now its almost 70% blocked and is shrinking slowly.he is 47 years old and doesnt have any habit of smoking and drinking and he doesnt eat nonveg also.as tested by the doctors,his heart is in perfect condition and were suggested for a valve replacement but after an year or s. what is the care we have to take for him to make him feel healthy and light?

[kenkeith]

I have moderate to severe valve leakage for more than 7 years.  The problems one experiences when symptomatic is shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.  

What is the congenital defect?  I assume there is a narrowing of the orifice (valve opening) and medically referred to aorta valve stenosis. More often it is not congenital but a result of calclification that builds up and sometimes effects the leaflets (closes over the orifice) and the leaflets become stiff.

Because there is a narrowing of the valve opening there abnormal pressure in the left ventricle as there is now more resistance for the heart top pump against.  If and when the left ventricle enlarges abnormally, that can cause the heart to pump with weaker contractions and there will be insufficient blood flow into circulation.

If you father decides on a valve replacement, there is the bovine tissue valve. It has a life span of about 10-15 years and usually recommended for older patients.  The other choice is a mechanical valve that requires warifin (prevent clots), and warifin taking patients require frequent visits to help maintain the appropriate level of medication.   Also, there is a ticking noise that some people find annoying.  Anyhow, as the current state-of-art for mechanical valves usually lasts for many more years than the bovine and recommended for younger individuals.

Also, there is now a treatment for valve stenosis that can repair valves and not replacement.  There is cath that is threaded to the aorta valve and the .  .  

If you father decides on a bovine valve replacement, he may need another replacement in his life time.  That is the present state-of-art for valve replacements, and who is to say better future choices will be available within a few years!  

However, according to my source often treatment is not necessary in asymptomatic patients. I guess that is were I am (medical management). But another option my be available other than valve replacement by surgery, and that percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty by balloon catheter. A cath is threaded through a vessel to the valve and and the aorta valve is enlarged

The indication for invasive treatment with either a valve replacement or valvuloplasty is NYHA functional class III or IV symptoms.  "Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity, e.g. walking short distances (20–100 m).
Comfortable only at rest.
IV Severe limitations. Experiences symptoms even while at rest. Mostly bedbound patients".

Hope this helps, and thanks for sharing you father's medical problem. If you have any further guestions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care

[cindy707]

I am a little confused by your post...are you asking what the steps are AFTER he gets the valve replaced to help him stay healthy or are you asking what you can do now to help him stay healthy until this is done...sorry maybe its just me but it sounds a little confusing.