Jill's Profile

I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at age 10. I had no real issues until age 50 when I developed an arrhythmia and was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome which is an extra electrical pathway between the heart's upper and lower chambers. While present from birth, it caused no issues until then. I underwent an ablation to remove the pathway and have since been placed on a beta blocker, channel blocker and ACE inhibitor. Last summer, I learned that I had developed an ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 4.9 x 4.9 cm. I have had 3 opinions but the consensus is that I should have it repaired now. My valve is actually functioning ok with only mild to modererate stenosis and regurgitation but repair and/or replacement is recommended since I will already be undergoing surgery. Dr Svensson will see whether the valve can be repaired but if not, will do a replacement. I decided to go to the Cleveland Clinic for the procedure as they will do a mini-sternotomy rather than a full.