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Question:
Do these values suggest that I need surgery on my heart valve?
A cardiac MRI shows aortic regurgitant fraction 41%, aortic root 4.0cm, moderately dilated left ventricle.....Are these values indicative of surgery on my valve?
submitted by Gary from Conneaut, Ohio on 1/17/2013
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeon, Denton A. Cooley, MD
Gary, more information would be needed to say definitively whether surgery for your aortic valve is warranted. Moderate aortic insufficiency (regurgitation) is often compatible with a relatively normal lifestyle and function. Valvular insufficiency is generally tolerated better than valvular stenosis. These and several other variables should be considered when deciding on cardiac surgery.
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Updated January 2013
