I am a 48 year old female. Out of the blue told I had a heart murmer.Had Echocardiogram and Transoesophageal Echogram.Neeed mechanical valve replacement and will need to take Warfarin for rest of my life. Fairly fit and well, blood pressure ok,just a little breathless at times. No real symptoms. Can any one tell me how this has come about as Consultant is baffled ? He usually does this kind of replacement on someone 25 to 30 years older than myself. Has anyone my age group had replacement valve? Will I still need antibiotic cover when having dental treatment after? All answers greatly appreciated.
2006-10-11 10:56:40 · 3 answers · asked by hotlips5863 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
bicuspid can be congenital, calcification unusual at this age, maybe a history of rheumatic fever, can not be confirmed now anyway. yes you will need coumadin, maybe yes to antibiotics too but that is typically a one time 2 gram amoxicillin dose. if you don't get this valve replaced, then it can damage the heart and lung circulation completely in no time, good luck
2006-10-11 10:59:35 · answer #1 · answered by HK3738 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bicuspid aortic valve is congenital(you were born with it.) Narrowing is one thing that can happen along with leaking or both. A valve replacement at your age is not uncommom, sometimes it's much earlier!! The people getting valve replacement much older than you most likely is not from a bi cuspid valve but from a normal tri-leaflet valve that has become calcified. There are 2 types of prosthetic valves. 1. bio-prosthetic(pig or cow) these types of valves do not require the use of blood thinners, however they do not last as long 10-14 yrs. 2. mechanical valves, do require blood thinners but last a long long time if taken care of, i.e. take the blood thinners! As for the bicuspid av if it is for sure bicuspid yes you were born with it. It is congenital, there is a 5% chance of passing it on. So if you do have children you may want to get them checked. As for the surgery, They used to wait until people started showing symptoms. But now alot of places are opting to do it sooner when the patient is still very healthy and can recover much quicker.
2006-10-15 06:31:17 · answer #2 · answered by Hollow Whisperer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The aortic valve has three cusps. This can happen in rheumatic fever and calcific aortic stenosis of unknown cause, usually in older people. Yes, I think antibiotics would be indicated.
2006-10-11 12:00:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋