High Volume Endurance Training and Tissue/Mechanical Valves...

[pellicle]

I used to run before surgery too....

it can take time ... but I agree with @3mm about getting some studies done too.

 

[morellib]

I’m 72 yo and almost two years out from getting an Inspiris Resilia tissue valve. I have 3,700 road cycling miles so far this year and often ride in the 65–85% of MHR zone. My last echo was normal. In discussing with my cardiologist the issue of wearing out my valve with hard aerobic efforts, his view was that the relatively small percentage of time I’m in those training zones compared with the time at a low heart rate during daily normal activities isn’t of concern. Of course, I realize two years isn’t a good test of potential longevity of my valves.

 

[tjay]

I’m 72 yo and almost two years out from getting an Inspiris Resilia tissue valve. I have 3,700 road cycling miles so far this year and often ride in the 65–85% of MHR zone. My last echo was normal. In discussing with my cardiologist the issue of wearing out my valve with hard aerobic efforts, his view was that the relatively small percentage of time I’m in those training zones compared with the time at a low heart rate during daily normal activities isn’t of concern. Of course, I realize two years isn’t a good test of potential longevity of my valves.

I would say that it would've been a concern the other way around if you weren't getting your heart rate to 65-85% MHR, doing exercise
Even if it wears out the tissue valve a tiny bit sooner (which I doubt), it's better to have a strong heart to accommodate future surgical interventions, if any. Or just overall good health and quality of life.

Keep up with your cycling. It's good for your heart, body and longevity.

PS: I think the originator of this thread was mainly interested in the very-high usage (such as ultra marathons, or athletes who put in a very high mileage both in terms of activity level as well as frequency/week etc). Most of us won't go that far. If we do 3-5 days/week type workout in the 80-85% range, it would probably be extremely desirable if not highly recommended for the longevity of valve and good health overall.
I personally choose mechanical valve in hope to remove this guess work.

 

[retainingwall]

No surgery yet. Will have AVR and an aneurysm dealt with.... I am the process of figuring out what procedure to get and who to do it .

I had a Bentall Procedure done 3 years ago with a tissue valve to repair an aneurysm and to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. I was 64 at the time, so that doctor convinced me to get a tissue valve. I was very active with racing MX and other sports. I still work out, but I can’t do anywhere near what I used to do. Like others have said, the tissue valve will wear out faster with rigorous training. It is what it is and I have adjusted. I don’t push it too much because I don’t want to prematurely wear the valve out. Luckily, I can have the TAVAR procedure next time. I’m not on any meds either since my OHS. If you are very active and younger, the mechanical valve might be good for you. Good luck