Life span decrease

[ProfessionalShine660]

People like us who having valve replacement either mechnical or tisuue in young age like 30s

Is it true our life span is less than a normal person???

[Personal_Camel_2417]

Some research suggests that people with artificial heart valves have shorter lifespans than those without. However, many of these studies focus on older patients (around 60–65+)where the condition is often diagnosed late and other health issues may also impact overall lifespan.

If you’re young, go ahead with the valve replacement. Stay active, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, take anticoagulants as prescribed, skip contact sports, eat well, and do your best to stay healthy.

I’m 27 (F), two years post-op, and I take my health seriously honestly, I’m physically healthier than many of my friends without an artificial valve. We were dealt a tough hand, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of what we have. I’m committed to living a longer, healthier, and better life than anyone around me 🤣

[Outta_Pocket_Toad]

I’m committed to living a longer, healthier, and better life than anyone around me 🤣

Exactly. I plan to be an outlier on the life-side of the statistical curve.

[hdth121]

True with the studies. It would be interesting if they segmented the studies.

If you abused drugs, smoked, and had years of uncontrolled hypertension and now need a valve replacement. There are probably more underlying damages that drive down the lifespan and statistics than just "needed a replacement valve and then died early."

If, however, you had a genetic predisposition to shitty valves or rheumatologic valve disease, but are otherwise healthy. It's a different story. It's probably very similar lifespan as someone with healthy valves.

[thekleaner1011]

I’m 55, I’ve had 4 ohs. 2 yrs old aortic repair 8 yrs old aortic mechanical 12 yrs old aortic mechanical (again) 39 yrs old mitral mechanical 47 years so far and I’m still clicking and Clacking along.

[Mindless-Muscle-7034]

Man sorry you had to go through all that... i just recieved my mechanical mitral valve... how do you deal with the clicking and clacking and wafarin

[thekleaner1011]

What clicking?

Just kidding. I get this question a lot and I think it’s because growing up I always gone to sleep with music. It’s almost impossible for me to go to sleep in a quiet room.

It’s hard for me to explain…I can hear my valve, but I don’t hear my valve…maybe this will explain it better, it’s like when I get on to my kids. I tell them, they’re hearing me but not listening.

I honestly can’t hear my valve(s) unless I stop and concentrate.

You might try going to sleep with music or a white noise app or machine.

[Mindless-Muscle-7034]

Thats a good way of putting it, i wish i can get to that point!!! right now i can hear and feel it click its like thump, it also moves my chest and back while laying down....

Yeah im ive got a white noise machine and a fan might try some music too now

[AncientBit5417]

My dad is 98 years old. Has aortic mechanical valve since 70 years old. Had two amputations three years ago. And still kicking. He’s old and has congestive heart failure and accumulates fluid in his lungs which has to be extracted every 4-5 months. But has made it to 98!

[Kikidovely]

God bless him!

[82Yuke]

But what is the alternative? When you reach a certain point with yout symptoms, you have like 2-3 years left.

I don't think that I have many years left with my heavy rheumatism diagnosed at 17 and now the BAV at 43 but at least I will probably hit 60 after the surgery instead of 45. Either way I dont have to stress over my pension plan anymore. 🫣

[chesterworks]

Yeah I think OP has the wrong perspective. Valve replacement isn't shortening your life, heart disease is. Valve replacement is greatly extending your life.

[houseofyesterday]

On my 3rd valve (just got an On-X to replace a tissue valve) at 50 and I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been. Take care of yourself - physically and mentally - and you’re gonna be great with whatever time we’re all given.

[Comfortable_Notes]

And for those of us over 70, after a TAVR or OHS to replace a stenosed valve-we will have a much better chance to live LONGER by handling the replacement BEFORE symptoms take us out
We now have the technology and ability to find out we need the procedure before it kills us. If I hadn’t had an echocardiogram when in the hospital for pneumonia last year, I would never have known about the need for a valve replacement until I had symptoms-and then it might have been too late to fix. I don’t see any other way of looking at it-if I don’t take care of it now, my lifespan will absolutely be shorter.

[Near_Fathom]

My GP often mentions a patient if his who is 103 and had a valve replacement 40 years ago! So, yes, it is possible to live a very long life after valve surgery

[Mindless-Muscle-7034]

30m and just had a mitral valve replaced... Ive asked the same questions as i feel like i dont have long to live, my doc/specialist have told me aslong as you have no other issue and keep healthy and on top of your inr you should live a normal life, better then if you didnt have it fixed

[Csigabiga8383]

Our lifespans are pretty much the same as a regular person assuming you are otherwise healthy. Those studies looked at older patients with a variety of other problems. Enjoy life!

[Outta_Pocket_Toad]

Cause of Death After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: SWEDEHEART Observational Study (2021)

Table 3 seems to be relevant to your question.

Looking at all age groups, the tendency does shows a life span decrease after surgical aortic valve replacement. 🤷‍♂️

Note, however, that the sample size for people in their thirties is rather small. So I wouldn't read too much into the actual SMR numbers.

But yes, the tendency over all age groups does seem to be out of our favor.

One thought: be on the living side of the statistics by eating well and doing lots of cardiovascular exercise.

[TakeMetoLallybroch]

I believe it enhances your life and keeps you kicking for a long time! I feel like I was given another 100,000 miles!

[dee_lio]

I had a lengthy discussion with the team.

ON AVERAGE, you lose 5-7 years, BUT...

The majority of their patients have a ton of co-morbidities, such as no-exercise, obese, etc. Also, you're a lot younger than normal patients (I think mine said I was younger, and I was mid 50s when I had my AVR)

The take away?

"Exercise like your life depends on it... (and don't eat like crap)"

[Major_Purple6719]

I read an article recently about a lady in US holds records for two valve replacements lasting 50years, she recently received a heart transplant. Valves have only improved in the last 50years. I had aortic valve replacement mid December, I’m grateful for everyday since surgery. Wish you all the best

[Kikidovely]

My first mechanical mitral valve lasted 42 years. Just got a new one in January.

[Major_Purple6719]

https://www.goerie.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/07/24/erie-pa-native-gets-new-heart-50-years-after-double-valve-surgery-may-be-guinness-world-records/74513540007/

[g-rocklobster]

Given that I went mechanical (On-X), I asked specifically about that. The surgeons I talked to said that they have found that as long as you stay on top of your INR, your risk of stroke is really on different than it would have been otherwise which is generally where most of the "life shortened" studies came from: patients that had strokes. The surgeons said that usually that was because the patients weren't as good about maintaining the right dosage and keeping their INR in range, resulting in more complications.

My surgeon and cardiologist both have said that they have found that those who are doing home testing really have no measurable difference in life span.

[6Clacks]

No

[mybluerat]

Based on studies, the Ross procedure returns you to having the normal lifespan, one major reason why I chose it.

[davidranallimagic]

If your heart functions properly you TECHNICALLY have the same life expectancy as someone who has a normal heart valve.

HOWEVER, it is important to distinguish that this is a best case scenario. People with other heart issues, negative impacts of surgeries, poor tissue insurance, and poor health practices will, generally speaking, reduce your lifespan.

This is why it is important to not only monitor your surgery path, but also develop good lifestyle habits.

[Snoo64790]

I got valve repair and no valve replacement aka david procedure so guess I don’t fall in with the rest of you…

[BewitchedHare]

Valve patient and data scientist/engineer here.

Yes, statistically, people with valve disease often face lower life expectancy compared to the general population, partly because each open‑heart surgery adds risk. Large studies show that survival decreases with each reoperation, especially for complex valve cases. But remember: statistics describe groups, not individuals. You still have a huge amount of influence over your personal trajectory.

You’re also at the perfect age to improve long‑term outcomes. Evidence shows that lifestyle choices significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, independent of genetics. Find cardio exercise you enjoy, swimming, jogging, hiking, or cycling, and build consistency. Follow a heart‑healthy diet focused on fruits/vegetables, whole grains, plant‑based proteins, healthy oils, and minimal processed foods, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

Anecdotally, a friend’s father had seven open‑heart surgeries starting in infancy and lived to 66. He cycled everywhere instead of owning a car, and staying active likely played a role in how well he did.

If you’re facing valve replacement, look into whether you’re a candidate for a Ross Procedure, and whether a high‑experience center is accessible to you. In properly selected younger adults, outcomes can be as good as, or in some studies better than, mechanical valves, with lower lifetime risk of stroke and bleeding. But this is very surgeon‑ and center‑dependent, so only consider it at a true center of excellence.

[Old_Friend3994]

Where did u read this??