M
mr.optimist
Having had an aorta valve replacement in November 1993, I had no problems until June 2005, when a routine echo showed an aneurysm of the ascending aorta (5.7 cm diameter). Obviously I needed to have another open heart surgery to repair/replace my ascending aorta. They did not have to replace the St. Jude valve and the operation went fine. I have recovered well and hope that this was my last open heart surgery I will ever need.
The reason I am posting this, is that I want to allert all people who have artificial aorta valves to monitor their blood pressure and heart rate and to have echos taken to check the size of their ascending aortas. Due to the old valves spraying blood to the inside wall of the aorta artery at higher pressure and the replacement valves creating a harder spray as well, the walls of this artery tend to become weak and bulge, creating an aneurysm (compare with an old garden hose). Once the artery starts leaking, or worse, when it bursts, it can turn into a deadly event.
Some cardiologists now prescribe beta blockers and blood pressure medicine right after an aorta valve replacement to lower the chances of the aorta artery weakening. I was not put on any drugs other than coumadin after my avr surgery and I have never heard about the risks of aorta aneurysm prior to my own experience.
Get your echos regularly and make sure that you control your blood pressure!
With the aneurysm, I have never experienced any symptoms. If I didn't have my echo last June, who knows, I could already be gone.
Be well and take care of yourselves, life is beautiful even with replacement parts. Let me know if you had similar experiences?
The reason I am posting this, is that I want to allert all people who have artificial aorta valves to monitor their blood pressure and heart rate and to have echos taken to check the size of their ascending aortas. Due to the old valves spraying blood to the inside wall of the aorta artery at higher pressure and the replacement valves creating a harder spray as well, the walls of this artery tend to become weak and bulge, creating an aneurysm (compare with an old garden hose). Once the artery starts leaking, or worse, when it bursts, it can turn into a deadly event.
Some cardiologists now prescribe beta blockers and blood pressure medicine right after an aorta valve replacement to lower the chances of the aorta artery weakening. I was not put on any drugs other than coumadin after my avr surgery and I have never heard about the risks of aorta aneurysm prior to my own experience.
Get your echos regularly and make sure that you control your blood pressure!
With the aneurysm, I have never experienced any symptoms. If I didn't have my echo last June, who knows, I could already be gone.
Be well and take care of yourselves, life is beautiful even with replacement parts. Let me know if you had similar experiences?
!
