Lea's Profile

My primary care doctor detected a heart murmur and referred me to a cardiologist in 2003. I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis and my condition was closely monitored for 12 years. I did not know as a child that I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, but I am grateful every day for the "discovery" as without a new aortic valve, I would not be here today! I had open heart surgery in 2016 where my valve was replaced with an Edwards Magna surgical valve and I also had an aortic aneurysm repair. Today I try to give back by helping other heart patients through communities like this one and AHA. I am also an accredited visitor for Mended Hearts, a peer to peer support group for heart patients.