I had a bad valve and the aorta replaced simultaneously. But I was in my sixties when I had it done. The valve is a cows valve and the aorta is mesh. I had—literally—the best surgeon in the world at this operation work on me. Even so, I had complications and spent the day after unconscious on a ventilator. But they got everything working perfects and I haven't had a problem since.

My best advice: don't get sick! But if you DO get sick, do it in the 21st century and make sure you have the medical insurance to get the best treatment. Sadly, that's not always possible.

BTW - my regular doctor is a woman, and she's spectacular. When I get serious health problems, they are HARD to detect, but she always finds them and gets them fixed. Remember that your GP is a DETECTIVE. If she (or he) is good at figuring out what's wrong with you, she's the right doctor. Don't accept less.