Michael's Profile

My name is Mike Heinze and I am 58 years old. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a young child and ever since have been going to Cleveland Clinic for regular check-ups. Through the development of new diagnostic equipment, Cleveland Clinic determined my murmur was a bicuspid aorta valve. The Clinic has been tracking pressures and velocities across the valve as a preventive measure for several years. At my last visit early this summer, my valve metrics changed from the previous visit, and my Cardiologist asked for a Stress Echo test 6 weeks ago. This revealed that my aortic stenosis was in the very severe range and I needed a valve replacement along with a potential ascending aorta replacement prosthesis graft. I am scheduled to have surgery on November 30 at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Johnston. I am trying to decide whether to go forward with a mechanical or biological valve, but I am leaning towards an On-X valve as I understand this type of valve may require lower blood thinner levels. I am hoping your input will assist me in my valve selection as well as to help me prepare for the upcoming surgery.