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Seniors Heart Problems - Leaking Heart Valves
My Experience With Leaking Heart Valves - S.M. Female Age: 83
I began seeing a cardiologist when I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. An echo cardiogram revealed that I had leaking valves and surgery was scheduled. Although I had health issues in addition to the heart problem, I felt reasonably good, and was not limited in my daily activities.
I met with my primary physician for an unrelated problem about two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery. When I told him of the surgery he suggested that I should consult with a new cardiologist for a third opinion. I can't speak for my primary care physician, but I believe he was against the heart valve surgery because the leaking valves weren't negatively affecting my life, I had other conditions that put me at greater risk of complications, and he felt (for me) the risk in this type of surgery out-weighed the potential benefits. The third cardiologist agreed though he suggested regular echo cardiograms to check the progression of valve leakage.
It has been over 7 years since I chose not to have the surgery and I still feel pretty good considering my age and health conditions. Regular tests show my heart valve leakage problem is stable.
Conclusion:
The wait and see approach to heart valve replacement has worked for me and I'm very thankful to my primary care physician for suggesting it as an option.