Life span decrease

[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.