AVR Worrying Research

[Seaguller]

Have seen recent research about valve replacement that says, "This data suggests that a 42-year-old patient undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a tissue valve is expected to live to 58 years of age. In contrast, a 42-year-old in the general population is expected to live to 78 years of age. " I may well need an avr soon and terrified. Any comments?

[gilreid1]

Stop google and speak with your cardiologist

[gilreid1]

Just noticed you say you had an AVR 25 years ago think you are over reacting

[Prada47]

Paul I work on the basis if I can't do anything about it I don't worry about it. Averages/ Expected can really mean anything. Try to relax it's possible to make yourself ill by worrying especially about something that may or may not happen.

Regards

[Ageingfast]

Most, if not all, forty year olds would have a mechanical valve not a tissue.So the research doesn’t help at all.In any case, if you have a tissue valve nowadays, it is likely to accommodate a TAVi, so life expectancy is good.

I would urge us all to only Google nhs or BHF sites.

Better still, ask the guy that is going to operate. They really do know what’s what

Colin.

[Hidden]

Some great advice on here Paul, stop using Dr Google because it fills your head with doom and gloom for every condition you query. Ask the experts and accept their answer.

I always take a list of all my questions when I visit a specialist, I've always found that they take the time to answer my questions in language I can understand.

[Jetcat in reply to Hidden]

Good old Dr Google has had me dead and buried 3 times.!!!!

[Shar28]

Hi Seaguller, please please don’t take studies in isolation as they may not be definitive. It usually takes several full clinical trials before data can be confirmed as accurate. The BHF are very good at reporting the results of good trials and what it means for the wider public so their website is always worth a look. One tip I was given about looking at studies was to look at the source data ie participants’ gender, age, ethnicity, co-morbidities and general health as well as who &where did the study and what biases/ interests are declared and how old the work is. I found that many studies which apparently related to my husband and his condition really didn’t because the sample wasn’t anything like him. So the worrying outcomes were irrelevant. Perhaps the same applies to you and his study you’ve seen.

It’s always best to discuss you and your own individual situation with your cardiologist.

Best wishes.

[Mentdent]

Many people who have AVR have other heart issues so are the healthiest individuals to start with.

[alheart]

HiHad an AVR (titanium) in 2015 with premtive double bypass

Going really well and valve will still be OK long after I am gone

Tissue valve advantage no Warfarin disadvantage needs replaced in 35 yrs

I had mine done at 57 but has been great

[Seaguller in reply to alheart]

Thank you. Are you on any meds now?

[alheart]

yep and doing great apart from the warfarin which needs checked weekly. INR really fluctuates

[Sooz34]

Well they are probably comparing a healthy 42 year old to a 42 year old with heart problems and obviously the person with the valve replacement would probably have another valve replacement towards 55 years of age should problems start?Don't worry you coukd get knocked down by a bus crossing the road ..its all luck in life