i am 75 and have severe aortic stenosis.  my valve is at .8.  it was at 1.2 last year.  my cardiologist and surgeon have told me they cant operate until the valve narrows to .6.  is this a medical decision or is it the criteria established my medicare for paying for the operation?jay
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. No, there is no such strict criteria. If you are symptomatic and not improving with medicines then 0.8 cm stenosis in aortic valve should be operated. No need to wait to get it smaller to 0.6 cm and then operate. So better to consult another cardiologist and cardiac surgeon and get done clinical examination and repeat 2d echo. If you are symptomatic then you are a candidate for aortic valve replacement. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.