Samidh's Journal

Rose Madura  There are a lot of variables such as age, overall health etc. I would think that an MRI would be more accurate than an echo since the echo relies a lot in the technician.  What is your cardiologist thinking? You should also get a second opinion from a while different group as well.

Valerie Allen  Hi! I guess the other consideration is to be sure your health care insurance covers it if it is just mild-moderate.

Suelynn Hanegraaf  For my two aortic valve replacements (2011 and 2024), my cardiologists waited to encourage me to make appts with cardiovascular surgeons until my echo showed early in the severe range. Both times when I was told my valve was now severe, I just went ahead and made appts with two different cardiovascular surgeons (two different hospital affiliations). The “thinking” of both of my surgeons was not to wait to do the replacement too far after entering the severe range. For example, I was diagnosed in October 2023 with severe aortic stenosis and then after additional testing (CT scan of my heart, angiogram), my valve re-replacement surgery was 6 months later. But everyone is unique!

Kimberly Eisenhut  I also think a second opinion is in order. Echo is not enough to schedule a surgery. I have had so many echos in my life, and it really does matter who performs it and who reads it. My cardiac specialist looks at them herself and measures herself every time, just to clarify and be sure readings are accurate. Please ask for other tests and try a second opinion before going into surgery. Best of luck, and keep us posted