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Question:
What are my chances of a good recovery from heart surgery, as my ability to exercise is limited?
I'm 68 and a disabled woman. I had polio when I was 4 yrs old which left my right hip and leg affected. I can walk a very short distance, but use a wheelchair when I go out. I was diagnosed with calcification of the aortic valve. What are my chances of a good recovery, since my exercising is very limited?
submitted by Carolyn from Paxico, Kansas on 10/21/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, George Younis, MD
Aortic valve calcification encompasses a broad range of problems ranging from mild, harmless calcification to very heavy calcification that blocks the blood flow out of the aortic valve. Surgery is typically reserved for patients with symptoms or with evidence that the heart has become weak from a heavily calcified valve. Assuming your calcification is minor, there is a good chance you will never need to worry about surgery.
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Updated October 2009
