Are Valve ops succesful in the elderly?

[Velvetee]

My mother is 82 and was recently diagnosed with a Heart Murmur. The Cardiologist says her Aortic valve is narrowed and becoming worse. He says she would need a valve replacement operation or she will be likely to die within the next two years.

There is a 15% risk of her dying during the operation, plus she recently had a breast cancer operation and is due to have Radiotherapy soon. She is adamant that she does not want a heart operation, as she feels she will die.

Does anyone know how successful these operations are in the elderly? She is quite frail too and has Diabetes.

Thanks

[yogasun]

Over the last year I know of two ladies (nearly 70) who have had aortic valves replaced by pig's valves. Both operations were 100% successful and they are no longer prone to breath shortage or feeling faint. One is now walking 9 miles a week.
However, altho' one lady is a heavy smoker it's obvious that your mother is of a frailer nature so I can understand her reluctance. It's difficult because ultimately it's your mother's decision. Good luck.

[Velvetee]

Thanks for your input. like you say, it's her decision and i will, of course, respect that as hard as it is.