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Quick fix for a life-threatening heart condition

"Your first symptom may be dropping dead!" -- my thoracic surgeon

I spent 4-plus years enduring aortic stenosis with ZERO symptoms until March 31, 2022 when I underwent TAVR (trans catheter aortic valve replacement). Aortic stenosis can occur when calcium builds up on the aortic valve and hampers its functioning.

The TAVR procedure at Leahy Clinic, Burlington, MA, took a little more than one hour while I was awake and sedated. Four of us had the procedure that day and all of us went home the next day. 

The key point here is that even when the issue became critical - and absolutely life-threatening - I had no chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness - all symptoms of severe aortic stenosis. I felt fine. 

The surgeons were amazed at the amount of blockage at the valve site, but the outcome was near-perfect. My medical team and I expect near-full recovery very soon, unlike the three months required after open-heart surgery.

Just a heads-up to my followers. If it helps even one of you - or someone close to you - I will feel very good about choosing to write this piece.



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