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Question:

How long can a person survive with aortic valve disease if he refuses surgery?

I have a 39 year old son that has been told by his family physician he needs an aortic valve replacement. He is rated by echo to be severe. He refuses to see a surgeon. How long can a person survive with this type of problem?

submitted by Jonell from Kentucky on 3/2/10

Answer:

by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Reynolds Delgado, MD

I would suggest having him seen by a cardiologist. This is the type of doctor best suited to making the recommendation for surgery. The determinants are heart function and size and degree of symptoms.        

See also on this site: 

• Diseases of the Aortic Valve
• Valve Repair or Replacement
• Heart Information Center

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Updated March 2010