Aortic stenosis moderate to severe

[Maydayuk]

Please if anyone can advise me on my results of my Echo. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve my echo says moderate to severe valve stenosis. It says my mean gradient across the valve is 26mmhg with some discrepancy in the valve area. Previously they said my heart was enlarged but not mentioned in my results. I don't understand why they say severe. I am symptomatic have been for a long time. I didn't think they'd replace my valve till it was higher than 40mmhg. If someone can help me understand, I might sleep tonight.

[Rhinos67]

I don't know what my measurements were. I was told that I had a bicuspid aortic valve and severe aortic stenosis and all I really heard was that I'd need Open heart surgery. At that point I went to pieces and started to Google. Huge mistake!I eventually found this site and through here was directed to a Facebook group - UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery. One of the group members had recently had surgery and very kindly spent over an hour answering my questions and reassurung me. We also have monthly zoom meetings which I found so helpful.

I'm now 22 months post surgery and live my life as I did before.

Don't panic, don't Google and try not to loose sleep over it. Easier said than done, I know. Ask lots of questions from those who can empathise with you.

I wanted to punch friends and family who came out with the line... You'll be fine! Yes I would be eventually, but at the time I was in total crisis and they had no idea how I felt.

Good luck and maybe join the Facebook group

Joanne

😊

[Maydayuk in reply to Rhinos67]

My cardiologist as always told me that I will have to have open heart surgery but that it would be a waiting game. How long was your stenosis severe before they told you that you needed surgery? This is why I've asked the question because I don't understand the measurements they've given me. I guess I've just got to wait for the clinic review. Hope it's soon.

[Rhinos67 in reply to Maydayuk]

As soon as I was diagnosed they allocated a surgeon to me and started with further tests so that he knew exactly what he needed to do. It was 6 months from diagnosis to surgery 😊

[Maydayuk in reply to Rhinos67]

Thankyou.

[Yumz199725]

Hi I was born with congenital heart disease bicuspid aortic valve moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and moderate stenosis I'm not sure what my gradient is but I do know I will need my valve replaced soon but not for a while which is good. How often do you have a check up? I have one every year. Sorry to hear your symptomatic what symptoms you having? X

[Maydayuk in reply to Yumz199725]

Last year it was moderate now it's moderate to severe. Annual echos and review. Symptoms chest pain, drops in oxygen. Bouts of feeling cold sweaty and irritated. My muscles ache in my arms. Generally unwell angina. This is happening more and more lately. So it seems my valve probably needs replacing.

[Bookworm60]

Hi MaydayukI know how you're feeling. I had a bicuspid valve though I didn't know about it till I was in my late 40s. I was monitored for years and it progressed from mild to moderate to severe. I don't know what my gradient was though - sorry.

I had minimally invasive surgery in Bristol in December 21. Lots of people on here were able to give me helpful advice and calm my nerves and - just as they said - it was a difficult time but not nearly as bad as I had been imagining in the sleepless nights beforehand. And now I'm fine. Email or call the Cardiology department where you're being seen and ask for more clarification.

Good luck

Penny

[Maydayuk in reply to Bookworm60]

Like you I was diagnosed 9 years ago after becoming ill at work. Having bouts of dizziness. High blood pressure. I had coronary spasms but no stenosis. It's took this long to get to wear I am now. I appreciate the input. Thankyou.

[Cat04]

I had a BAV (true bicuspid type 0) and my echo showed my mean grad was 56mmhg and my AVA was 0.3cm²/m² (severe stenosis) with dilated left atrium and was immediately referred to a surgeon and scheduled for AVR which I then had in less than 5 months.

You could ring the BHF nurses for an explanation if you are not getting this from your GP/consultant

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[DinoCat]

My understanding is that there are 3 key (echocardiogram) measurements which determine whether Aortic Stenosis is either "mild", "moderate" or "severe", as follows:

1. Aortic Valve Area (AVA): In aortic stenosis, the orifice area gradually reduces due to calcification or other factors. When the AVA falls below < 1.0 cm², it indicates severe stenosis:

2. Mean Gradient: The mean gradient across the aortic valve is another crucial measurement. Severe aortic stenosis is defined by a mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg24.

3. Peak Aortic Velocity: A peak aortic velocity ≥ 4 m/s is also indicative of severe stenosis.

If you request a copy of your echocardiogram, you should be able to see your specific measurements. Normally most patients with mild or moderate stenosis would simply be subject to regular monitoring. Once the condition has progressed to severe, they would normally be referred for valve replacement surgery

[Maydayuk in reply to DinoCat]

Hi Dinocat, this is where my confusion lies. My mean gradient is 26mmHg.it says there was some discrepancy in valve area measurements. My ejection fraction they told me at the echo was slightly worse after last year. Which was 40 last year. No details given for this echo. Results show moderate to severe AVS yet it's not 40mmHg. Thanks for your Input.

[DinoCat in reply to Maydayuk]

I believe that taking the measurements from Echo involves some judgment & occasionally images are unclear. What does your cardiologist say? Perhaps if there is any doubt he/she should be requesting a repeat Echo, or maybe he/she still considers you are not yet at 'severe'?

In my case it was more straightforward - I was non-symptomatic & immediately diagnosed as 'severe', eventually having (successful) valve replacement surgery 3 to 4 months later. It transpired my original valve was bicuspid & heavily calcified!