“Keep moving, dahlings!” Eleanor Ford, world traveler, former surfer and long-time exercise instructor, gently chides her class of senior citizen movers and shakers. She leads the group through a series of Tai Chi movements and demonstrates a deep breathing technique designed to invigorate both body and mind. Teaching is important, but it’s only one aspect of 91-year old Eleanor’s busy life. She and friend Donald Lyle are making plans for an extended train trip through the northeast: “I enjoy staying active and being on the go!”

Sunshine streams through the windows of the community center where Eleanor teaches. “I’m grateful for a good life.” However, just a few months ago, the world didn’t appear quite so bright.

A Heart in Need

In early 2004, Eleanor came to me complaining about shortness of breath,” said Marvin Colvin, D.O., family practitioner on the Medical Staff at Verde Valley Medical Center. “That can be a sign of serious heart trouble. I referred her to Dr. Bruce Peek, VVMC interventional cardiologist, who ordered an echocardiogram.” An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test in which ultrasound – high-frequency sound waves – are used to produce images of the chambers, valves and major blood vessels of the heart. The test showed that Eleanor had aortic valve stenosis.

“The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to all the blood vessels in the body,” said Dr. Peek. “Eleanor’s aortic valve was narrowing. She was out of breath because her heart wasn’t pumping enough oxygenated blood for her body’s needs. We initially treated her conservatively, by managing her symptoms with medications. However, medical management is not a cure.”

By spring 2008, Eleanor’s condition had progressed to full-blown congestive heart failure. Without surgery to replace her aortic valve, it was only a matter of months before her heart completely failed. Eleanor had a tough decision to make. Would she choose surgery—and life?

Dr. Peek referred Eleanor to Steven Peterson, M.D., the cardiothoracic surgeon on the Medical Staff at Flagstaff Medical Center. VVMC and FMC are members of Northern Arizona Healthcare, and the cardiovascular physicians from both hospitals often collaborate in patient care. During Eleanor’s appointment with Dr. Peterson, she received some good news.

Is 90 the New 60?

“The classic way to replace the aortic valve is to first split the breast bone to completely expose the heart. However, the treatment for severe aortic stenosis is tailored to each patient,” said Dr. Peterson. “Some patients can be treated less invasively with a small incision next to the breast bone. In both procedures, the diseased or damaged aortic valve is removed, and a replacement valve is sewn in. The less invasive procedure involves less postoperative pain, less scarring and faster recovery.”

The Right Choice
 
Despite her age and valve condition, Eleanor was basically healthy. Her coronary arteries were clean of plaque, so bypass surgery was not needed. Dr. Peek and Dr. Peterson determined her to be a good candidate for the less-invasive procedure, a mini-chest thoracotomy. Just a few days later, she received her new aortic valve.

“I was never in any pain—it was remarkable!” said Eleanor. After recovering in the hospital for a few days, she was sent home and released to the care of her family doctor and cardiologist. “Dr. Peek told me, ‘I bet you’ll be back to teaching Tai Chi in four months’—and I was! I feel great!”

Today, Eleanor has normal cardiac function. She is a testament to a healthy lifestyle, determination and modern medicine. At 91, Eleanor Ford is truly “young at heart.”

Aortic Stenosis

The workhorse of the human body never rests. Each day, the heart beats approximately 100,000 times—and in children, with their faster heartbeat, that number can be as high as 173,000! The left and right sides of the heart are divided by a muscular wall called the septum. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and the left side pumps that blood throughout the body via the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart.

The aortic valve acts as a one-way gate, opening to allow the oxygenated blood into the aorta, and closing to prevent the flow of blood back to the heart in the wrong direction. Valve problems are not uncommon. Congenital defects, certain infections such as rheumatic fever and even the natural process of aging can cause valve disorders. Aortic valve stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes constricted, preventing normal blood flow. In its earliest stages, there may be no symptoms at all. Physicians who have diagnosed the problem through various tests may simply monitor the patient through routine checkups.

As the disease progresses, the heart may not be able to pump adequate blood for even the simplest activities. Individuals with this condition may suffer chronic shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, uneven heartbeat and palpitations. Medicines may help treat problems caused by aortic valve stenosis, but cannot cure the disease. Once symptoms develop, valve replacement surgery may help many patients have a more normal life—and a longer one.

For more information on cardiolovascular services, please visit the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona at www.NAHeartcare.com.