Donald recently visited his Cardiologist, Dr. A. K. ( Silver Spring MD.) for a pacemaker checkup, and to discuss pre-surgery risks.Dr. A.K. explained that he was born with two heart valves  and normally we are born with three. This condition is called a Bicuspid /Bicuspid Aortic Valve. Complications include aortic aneurysm (bulge) and dissection (tear), which can be life-threatening, making it important for the condition to be diagnosed early and accurately.

Dr. A.K. referred Donald to Heart Surgeon Dr.R.H of John Hopkins. Dr. H. reviewed his condition to evaluate if Donald’s heart could withstand a temporary valve repair (valve has tear and is leaky)  to lower his risk of heart failure during colon surgery.Unfortunately Dr.R. H. determined that this procedure was very high risk. Ultimately, now with this information Donald’s colon surgery  becomes “High Risk”

In the past 6 weeks Donald has received 6 blood transfusions at H.S. Hospital in Silver Spring MD. as mass on his colon is  slowly bleeding… resulting in severe anemia with blood counts as low as 4.0, and 5.0…This now places him in the category of “Sudden Stroke”

However his previous heart condition and low blood counts are parallel in relation to sudden death.

Yes Donald was born with only two heart valves; wrapped around each other, Donald and Marilyn Jackson. His heart hangs on for his wife!

 

 

What is bicuspid aortic valve?

The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic valve allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the heart to the aorta (the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart), and prevents blood from leaking back into the heart (aortic regurgitation). Normally, the aortic valve has three flaps controlling this blood flow. In a person with Bicuspid Aortic Valve, there are only two flaps and the valve may not be able to completely stop blood from leaking back into the heart.  In addition, the aortic valve may become stiff (aortic stenosis), making the heart pump harder to get past the valve. The aorta may also become enlarged.