My 68 year old mother has aortic stenosis with her heart. I am worried about her. She was diagnosed about eight years ago. She had an eckocardiogram done the other day and they saw a decrease however small.
She's a diabetic and she is the only living person in her family. She has a doctor but I want the best for her.
2007-04-14 21:54:52 · 2 answers · asked by Serinity4u2find 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
I wish I could tell you something about aortic stenosis, but I can at least share our experience with Cardiology Consultants in Medford and Grants Pass.
I would start by reading the bios of all the cardiologists there. They work primarily out of Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, but have a satellite in Grants Pass.
Here's a link:
http://www.ccpcso.com/ccpc-bios.htm
They diagnosed my wife's cardiomyopathy quite early and have a strong team of doctors. So I think it's an excellent place to begin. If she requires a particular type of procedure and they do not perform it regularly, they will be helpful in finding someone to do that procedure. (They were helpful in suggesting other doctors to see at OHSU, but we settled on a doctor at Stanford because of his specialization in cardiomyopathy.) OHSU will probably be your best bet, but a lot depends on your ability to travel and stay in your mother's comfort zone, as well as the need to find a specialist for the procedure in question. And then there's insurance issues... (feh)
The only real problem that I have with this cardiology group has nothing to do with the doctors, but with the population base of the Rogue Valley. There just aren't enough people to have a significant case load of cardiomyopathy patients. You may find that your mother's problem is more common and so you feel comfortable with a surgeon there.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to send me a private message if you want any further details.
-Mark (Ashland)
2007-04-15 03:22:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mark M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aortic stenosis is really only treated with valve replacement or, in some cases, balloon valvuloplasty. I'm not sure if you'll find either closer than Eugene, maybe Salem. "Treatment" is only needed if the patient's symptoms become difficult to control with medicine.
As for a cardiologist, start by asking her doctor for a referral.
2007-04-15 07:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋