I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, my understanding is that it’s just between 1% and 2% of the population have this defect. Because it doesn’t fully open it causes blood flow abnormalities that result in calcium buildup on the valve. I didn’t know about it until I was in my fifties when I went in to the doctor because I couldn’t run as far anymore. I ended up having the AVR procedure and it was replaced and Edwards synthetic valve that is engineered from bovine pericardial tissue. That was about 4 1/2 years ago.
Former New England Patriots Linebacker Teddy Bruschi was an athlete of serious renown. He suffered from a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovali) which was undetected for many years until one day he simply collapsed following a Super Bowl victory and a role in the Pro Bowl.
He retired, but following his diagnosis, he had heart surgery and then later returned to once again play professional football. He played for what I believe was 3 more years.
Fetal circulation is different than that of persons who are alive outside of the womb. Actually, radically different.
My Aortic Stenosis was a result of a childhood illness that I had when I was about 6 years old. I was told way back then that I would experience heart troubles, but in those days I was like 7 years old. The World was my Oyster. I never really listened, yet I have been endowed from On High with a fantastic memory.
So then one day, I was walking across the Bar in Bar Harbor, Maine, and it all came back to me. It was my birthday, and I knew rather quickly that I was dying.
I saw my PCP, he sent me to a Cardiologist, and after they yanked a bunch of my teeth, I had a Cardiac Catheter procedure, and then the AVR.
I was so bad that morning of the procedure. I honestly believed that it was my last day on Earth. I had so much to say, but it was too late. Instead, I am here, years following, attempting to help in my own small fashion, others who do not know things which I have learned. I am a pretty good Learner because I learn very fast, and I don't forget.