All those who have tissue valves or have researched tissue valves are aware of the fact that the biggest contributor to the demise of the valve is calcification. Granted there are now valves with anti-calcification treatment, what techniques, whether they be dietary, exercise-related, whatever, have you heard of that can slow the calcification process? Links are appreciated but if you don't have one, any comments are appreciated. Thank you!
Calcification Reduction in Tissue Valves
- Thread starter Scotty
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Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, Scotty, but I've been told that there is essentially nothing we can do to affect the life span of our tissue valves. It is about the same as having primary stenosis -- it just takes its time. You cannot affect it. Some studies tried statin drugs and found that there may have been a connection between taking the statin and slower progression of stenosis, but there was no confirmation. Today only a few cardios prescribe statins off-label to try to delay stenosis. I tried statins before my surgery, but still needed surgery about when we originally expected.
Thanks Steve, Ill look into the Statin studies. I have also heard from some that there is nothing that can be done. Unfortunately, I am one of those stubborn types that hates to think that nothing can be done, though it may or may not be true. I like to think that there has to be something we can do to prolong the lives of our valves. And I guess it cant hurt to try (within limits of course)!
I did find the following page that is interesting, if nothing else. The advice may or may not work but it looks like stuff that cant hurt to try. It claims that diets low in cholesterol and a bit higher in magnesium can help to prevent calcification:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/325238-calcified-heart-valve-and-diet/
I did find the following page that is interesting, if nothing else. The advice may or may not work but it looks like stuff that cant hurt to try. It claims that diets low in cholesterol and a bit higher in magnesium can help to prevent calcification:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/325238-calcified-heart-valve-and-diet/
I don't know -- I can tell you that I've been on a low fat/low cholesterol diet for over 30 years, and my native valve still kept on calcifying until ultimately it needed replacement. I tried taking magnesium supplements and always had uncomfortable side effects like stomach upset and hot flashes.
I'm sorry to hear that, Steve. I guess it can't hurt to try out these ideas or other ideas, but as your experience suggests, there can be no guarantee of successfully keeping calcification at bay, at least with the info and means that are currently available to us. I think its worth a shot but I guess the moral of the story is, you can't totally depend on any dietary solution to solve the problem of calcification. Maybe one day they'll develop a medication that can, or a valve that is super-resistant to calcification, but until then it looks like there is no guarantee.
agree with steve not a lot you can do
