Any way to treat the calcification of the valves?Is valvotomy only an option for youths?
Every case and every patient is different. You could opt for a valvuloplasty or management with medications.
a balloon valvuloplasty is usually only an option for youth or critically ill because the older you are the shorter time the valve will stay open for, so it only buys you some time.. Valve replacements or if possible valve repair are the only possible treatments at this time. You ask your cardiologist if minimally invasive surgery would be an option for you though since that would give you a shorter recovery period, and less pain and smaller scar.
Surgery, is the last resort if medications fail. Patients with moderate aortic stenosis are advised to avoid strenuous activities such as weight lifting or sprinting. Aortic stenosis can progress over a few years. The prognosis for patients with aortic stenosis without valve replacement surgery is poor. Medical therapy, such as the use of diuretics to reduce high lung pressures and remove lung fluid can provide only temporary relief of symptoms. Patients with symptoms usually undergo cardiac catheterization. If severe aortic stenosis is confirmed, aortic valve replacement is usually recommended. The overall mortality risk for aortic valve replacement surgery is about 5%. Advanced age should not be a reason for not recommending aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. Take care always.
Despite what Carly has said valvuloplasty is always an option but you have not offered much information to work with. Calcification of the aortic valve is not synonymous with stenosis of the aortic valve. There is no way to reduce calcification of the aortic valve leaflets. If there is aortic stenosis this places a strain upon the left ventricle. The most common approach is to replace the aortic valve prior to permanent harm being done to the left ventricle. It would be helpful to know what the findings of your echocardiogram and most especially the pressure gradient across the aortic valve and the left ventricular ejection fraction. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and in all things may God bless.
