Rosemary's Posts

I started taking Vitamin K (K1, K2 (MK4 and MK7) about 2 years ago. My aortic stenosis got progressively worse during that time. I believe magnesium, vitamin D, and Vitamin K work together, so it would probably be good to have your magnesium and vitamin d checked if starting vitamin K. It appears to have a beneficial effect for some people with calcium buildup in arteries, but I can't find any credible references to it helping reduce calcification in aortic stenosis. Dietary changes, especially a whole foods, plant based diet have also been proven to help with calcified arteries, but it doesn't appear to help with aortic stenosis. I found one reference from Dr Davis (Wheat Belly) who had 2 patients who had their valve area (ava) increase after taking Vitamin K. He never posted about it again, so my guess is it was an inaccurate reading on echocardiogram. Here's some articles: LEF also sells a Vitamin K supplement that includes K1, K2 including both MK4 and MK7. https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2015/7/Turning-To-Stone/Page-01 https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2017/CE/Vitamin-K-and-Arterial-Stiffness/Page-01

Hi Rosemary - I cannot speak for what the resident may be talking about, but I can tell you what my Cardiologist has suggested for me. I have a BAV that is regurgitant with a 5.1 Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. My cardiologist wants me to have a Bioprosthetic valve replacement and specifically a bio-valve that is made to accept the TAVR at a later date. Apparently, not all bio-valves are made so a TAVR valve can be installed inside it. I am trying to think of what having a BAV originally would have to do with it because it gets replaced.

I think you’re going to get a very different answer when you sit down to talk with your cardiologist and surgeon. A valve in valve can’t be done on a BAV which is why it gets replaced. If a tissue valve is the replacement valve, then a valve in valve can then be done when that one wears out.

Things are changing very fast in TAVR. They are actually doing studies on replacing BAV with TAVR. My native valve was heavily calcified and had a low raphe when I had my TAVR a year ago. I have been assured when and if I need a new valve it can be a TAVR valve in valve. I had a CT done by a radiologist who had just come to Norfolk from Cleveland Clinic. He knew the exact size of every single inch of my insides when he was finished with his report. The measurements he took for the TAVR valve played a large part in my TAVR valve selection. The Tavr valve just pushes aside your old valve and there it is anchored. It realliy is phenomenal. Conscious sedation and home the next day.