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I used TravelGuard for my daughter when she took an extended trip to Europe. It was quite reasonable. I just got a quote for a trip for myself and the price ranges from $117 to $193 for a week long trip to Europe. They cover medical expenses, even for pre-existing conditions as long as...

I had a well functioning BAV so I had a valve sparing procedure to replace my Ascending & Aortic root with a graft. So I've always assumed it was the graft. Wonder if there is anyone here experiencing this without an aortic graft? Also, as I recall when I first discussed this with the Dr's...

About 6 years ago I had a valve sparing aortic aneurysm repair. Ever since I have what feels like my heart (or aortic graft) thudding against my sternum whenever I take a deep breath. I feel it less to not at all when my posture is poor or I breath shallowly (as if I didn't have enough...

Although I can find references to coated aspirin causing less stomach upset I find nothing indicating it reduces the risk of bleeding, and apparently neither did Harvard: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/aspirin-advice-coated-vs-plain

Here's your answer: from https://nutritionfacts.org/video/doctors-nutritional-ignorance/ I imagine that most Cardiologists are just recommending what they know. Perhaps Pritikin, Ornish, or even Dr Greger who I quoted above (and is not a Cardiologist but was inspired to focus on diet by the...

In this review of the research: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/should-we-all-take-aspirin-to-prevent-heart-disease/ the conclusion is that the heart benefits are not really enough to outweigh the risk of bleeding in the general population. But as shown in this additional review...

Here's a good article on ways to lower cholesterol naturally: https://www.pritikin.com/your-health/health-benefits/lower-cholesterol/1468-7-tips-for-improving-your-ldl-cholesterol.html (short version: diet, psyllium fiber, plant sterols) Another supplement to consider is Red Yeast Rice. As I...

Welcome to the forum, See towards the end of this paper http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1140497 the section titled: The Date and Time that Aortic Dissection Occurs is Not Random From a follow-up study done with patients and surviving family members of people that suffered an...

FYI, about a year after my BAV sparing aortic aneurysm repair, I had moderate regurgitation at the aortic valve and my ejection fraction dropped to 40. Cardio explained the inaccuracies in the echo mentioned earlier so I had two MUGA scans 6m apart that came in at 45 and 46. I was told at the...

Another resource for Dr's is https://www.castleconnolly.com/ . You can search for Top Doctors by specialty (eg. Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery) and location for free. It used to be that Top Doctors were Dr's ranked in the top 10% in their specialty by their peers. The website has changed and it...

The Dr. that performed my cardiac catheterization prior to my OHS told me that it was to check my coronary arteries to see if I needed a bypass while they were doing OHS. This was both surprising and upsetting to me as there was no reason to suspect an issue with these arteries - and they were...

I've been on Losartan, 25mg since my valve sparing aortic aneurysm repair 6 years ago. My valve started leaking after the surgery and my ejection fraction dropped to a low of 40-45. I was told it would not improve. It was 55 last year and 56 this year. My Cardio thinks the improvement may be...

Hi jmo3, As I recall, I've read that aneurysms tend to grow at about 1mm per year but that until they reach a size of about 47mm, growth is not inevitable, and that after such size it generally is. I should add that there are anecdotal reports of Losartan slowing aneurysm growth. Can't recall...

Welcome to the forum Gordo60. A lot of good information in the links that you posted above and in your exercise routine. I especially appreciated the links to the articles talking about the hundreds routine and the guidance to warm up slowly for 10-15min prior to intense cardio. The 1st sounds...

FYI, There is a test called a MUGA scan that is more accurate in measuring ejection fraction. When my readings changed, my Dr. followed up with a MUGA scan to confirm.. In my case the ef measurement of 45 was accurate. My readings changed over the course of the year following my valve sparing...

"Just trying to figure out who all erred in this situation. Obviously the cardiologist. I have my own thoughts but interested to hear yours. Thoughts..." In your situation, I'd probably try to find a legal team that specializes in malpractice and let them figure it out. Glad you made it through...

Dick, Happy 50th anniversary! Or is that valversary? Pellicle, nice way to mark this occasion!

I find that an Attitude of Gratitude is helpful to me in times of uncertainty and stress. It is harder to be anxious, fearful, or depressed when you are focused on the positives in your life. I think Mindfulness is a great practice as well.

If it were me making this decision, and it could be any year now (I just turned 56 and have moderate aortic regurgitation), I would opt for mechanical primarily because I would rather be in control of my fate. With a biological valve you are hoping that TAVR improves or other options become...

Hi, I couldn't agree more. It's not what you do occasionally that matters so much as what you do everyday. With a little effort you can find healthy meals that taste good to you, and maybe even enjoyable ways to exercise ... or just not sit so much. On the occasion that you want a steak or...