Question:

What kind of life span and quality can a 72-year-old man expect after AVR?

My father is 72 years old and has calcific aortic stenosis, severe (80%). I checked with doctors and they are telling him to have valve replacement. What is your thought? What will be the life span/period after surgery? Is it curable or controlled by medicine? Life style after surgery?

Submitted by Akshaya from Bangalore on 08/19/2014

Answer:
by Denton A. Cooley, MD

Replacement of an aortic valve in a 72-year-old patient can be accomplished with low risk and provide a comfortable life. Unless your father has multiple comorbidities, our recommendation would favor valve replacement.