A random conversation between me and my husband about a World Heart Day article triggered a full-fledged discussion about so many heart attacks across age groups, and how cardiovascular diseases have become the number one therapy in the Healthcare Industry overcoming Acute therapies to the event we were a part of sometime back.
A few days back we had invited our friends over for dinner, her in-laws were in town so they also came along. When friends meet, discussions are endless, with Uncle and Aunty also present they added new perspectives to our discussions with their experiences and incidents from their lives. We all were having a great time when suddenly Uncle felt a bit uneasy so they left early. Uncle is in his mid-70s and has been facing some health concerns & symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath & fatigue on minimal activity for some time. So, the next day my friends got him checked as they did not want to prolong it further. They got the tests done and met a Cardiologist who diagnosed uncle with Aortic Stenosis and recommended heart valve replacement. Since me and my husband have healthcare backgrounds my friend had requested us to join in for the discussion with the doctor.
He mentioned to us in simple terms that the Aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the Aorta which is the largest artery; that supplies oxygenated blood to our body and is essential in proper body functioning. He further mentioned that this valve has narrowed down and is preventing the blood flow from the heart’s left ventricle to the Aorta. If left untreated it can cause heart failure.
Listening to this we all were a bit worried. The doctor sensed the change in our pulses however, he calmed us down. He shared that medical technology has advanced in the last few years, we have better options that are less strenuous on the patient and healing is faster and much better.
We asked the doctor about the details of the procedure, the pros and cons; considering Uncle is in his mid-70s, and the impact of the same on his overall well-being and recuperation. The doctor quite anticipated these questions and gave us a big smile.
He further shared that traditionally Balloon valvuloplasty or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement procedures were recommended for the treatment of Aortic Stenosis.
Balloon valvuloplasty or valvotomy, is a minimally invasive structural heart disease treatment to open a narrowed heart valve. A hollow, flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon on the tip is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and the balloon is inflated to expand the valve opening. The procedure does not offer a permanent solution, and it won’t benefit from a long-term perspective as most patients have to undergo heart valve replacement therapy. Considering Uncle’s age is progressing, a second surgery at a later stage would be an issue.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement is an open-heart surgery for heart valve replacement wherein the diseased aortic valve is replaced with a new bioprosthetic/mechanical valve that improves blood flow, reduces symptoms, and prolongs life. It’s been the preferred procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, associated risks are more and healing does take time.
The doctor recommended Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)/ Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for Uncle.
This is a less invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, through the groin or chest area containing a bioprosthetic valve that’s placed in the area of the aortic valve without removing the original valve. This procedure is minimally invasive and a life-saving treatment modality for patients who are unwilling or at risk to undergo open heart surgery.
He shared that the patient with be given a spinal block or general anesthesia. The whole procedure will take 1 – 2 hrs max with a recovery period of about 2-3 days. Post-procedure care is simple to follow. The recovery is faster and better.
After having this detailed discussion with the doctor, we left for further discussion with the other family members and Uncle himself. Uncle was not in agreement with any type of surgery and was not ready to budge on his decision, my friend and her family tried a lot. Considering his health & age, we had to convince him for a procedure that is safe and not risky.
Understanding our friend’s situation, we decided to go and meet Uncle ourselves. People at Uncle’s age are aware of things but they become more emotional and stubborn, and logic fails in such situations. Patient consent is very important for procedures like this which are optive yet imperative. Mental readiness helps in overall healing. However, my friend did not have the luxury of time, the clock was ticking on them.
We asked Uncle generally about his health and how he is doing. Then we started playing with my friend’s son. We asked Ayush why are you looking so low, you have grown so weak in the past few days.
He just said, ‘Aunty, Dadu ki tabhiyat theek nahi hai. Aajkal mere saath who khelte nahi aur Dadi bhi bahut tension mein rehte hai. Sab tension mein hai, sab mere pe chilate rehte hai. Main itne dino se khelne bhi nahi gaya. Dadu bahut bimaar hai kya Aunty?’
We said, ‘Beta, Dadu bimaar hai par jaldi theek hone wale hain.’
We asked Uncle, ‘Uncle kya aap chahte ho Ayush hamesha aisa rahe? Aap uske saath khelna nahi chahte?
A simple conversation between me and Ayush had done what days of effort could not. We just told Uncle that no one can see him in pain, Kyunki aapki taqleef sirf aapki nahi hoti Uncle, hum sab saath hai isme.
Finally, Uncle underwent TAVI Procedure with good results and outcomes.
Most of us have faced situations like these at some point in our lives.
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Take Care😊
Image: Pexel, Brand Website & Mayo ClinicDisclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purpose only and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This content was created as a part of a collaboration, however, it has been made sure that the content is helpful and provides value to the reader.
References:
- Aortic Stenosis – https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-aortic-valve-stenosis
- Balloon valvuloplasty – https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/heart-and-vascular/heart-valve-disease/treatments-and-procedures/valvuloplasty
- Structural Heart Disease Treatments – https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/heart-and-vascular/interventional-cardiology/structural-heart-disease-treatments
- Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25057-aortic-valve-replacement
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) – https://www.treatmentzaroorihai.com/aortic-stenosis
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Procedure Image – https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698#dialogId28849757
- Less invasive procedure – https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698
- Images – https://www.treatmentzaroorihai.com/aortic-stenosis