Moderately leaking aortic valve

[leach234]

Just had a stress test and a echo cardiogram for chest pain. The good news was my arteries were not blocked. The bad news was my aortic valve had moderate leakage and I had high blood pressure. Doctor said there is nothing to do right now and wants to put me on blood pressure medicine.

1) how long can one live with a moderately leaking aortic valve.

2) can I reduce my BP by losing weight, eating right, getting rid of salt, stop drinking alcohol, and exercising rather than take blood pressure medicine? Doctor doesn’t think so.

I weigh 178 pounds and should be 160 pounds. I am 5’8”.

[Yorkshirehead]

Hi,

Unfortunately I can’t answer your questions but it sounds to me that you have the right ideas regarding your BP, but perhaps not to extremes in any of the areas you mentioned. Perhaps you could take the BP medication and make adjustments to your lifestyle at the same time? A win win situation.

If it comes to having a new valve fitted it isn’t the end of the world. I had a a new aortic valve in 1982 and it is still going strong, as am I... if a little slower these days!

Best wishes and stay positive.

[TeeeJayyy in reply to Yorkshirehead]

Hello, at what age did you get it replaced ? How was the getting better after the surgery. I need to get it done and am worried. Thanks

[DJBee7]

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure some years ago and given medication. I went on a moderate exercise regime with a bench and some dumbbell weights. Learned a few exercises on You Tube and now exercise about 20 minutes per week. I lost weight, developed a superb physique and my blood pressure plummeted. I no longer take medication. Simple answer is exercise more. Although I have lost weight I actually eat more as the exercise burns up calories fast.

[leach234 in reply to DJBee7]

I started walking 6 miles daily, cut out alcohol, kept my calorie intake to 1500 daily, and reduced salt to 200-500mg daily. Lost 8 pounds with 10 more to go. Yesterday my BP was 120/79! Down from 190/90! All within 2 week time period.

[DJBee7 in reply to leach234]

Excellent progress, just proves how you can self manage health issues without resorting to drugs.