My name is Jim, Kansas City area, 54, excellent general health & conscientious lifestyle, never smoked, no drugs (Rx or otherwise), organic natural supplementation, physically active, cholesterol at 147, 6 197lbs, athletic. However, recent physical, which I had not pursued getting a physical for a number of years, revealed mild Heart Murmur, conducted “carotid doppler”, etc, revealing no blockage. Also recommended check further with Cardiologist for ecocardiogram, unfortunately revealed unexpected aortic valve stenosis , a “calcification” of the valve which is limiting normal function of the valve, which they characterized at severe level, though not currently showing overt symptoms, other heart functions normal. Admit I do get winded more noticeably than previous years, not sure when may have started, speculating could have been developing over 10 or 20 years, probably genetic given my conscientious health management throughout life, etc. Initial cardiologist recommended coming back in 6 months for another ecocardiogram, as currently asymptomatic , and risk of surgery greater than current condition, even upon my questioning advisability of doing sooner than later. Obtained second opinion, cardiologist and surgeon I spoke with recommended surgery sooner rather than later, given want to avoid waiting for direct symptoms or damage to heart, etc. They said given my current general condition, my risk at lowest end of 1-3% for experiencing problems from valve replacement surgery, should recover fairly quickly. As far as conventional surgery concerned, they mentioned two current options, artificial valve and organic valve (cow or pig). Tradeoff with artificial is can last indefinitely, though they recommend taking take blood thinners such as coumadin or warfarin , which I m aware of the extensive side effects, especially over time, etc. The organic value apparently does not necessitate any such issue or treatment, though the expected duration of these animal valves are only 10 to 15 years, after which another replacement may be needed, etc. I did ask about a non-invasive valve replacement surgery I ve heard about, which this location is one of a limited number of providers doing so over the last year or two (University of Kansas Medical Center). The cardiologist & surgeon I spoke with said the “non-invasive” valve surgery is currently only approved in the US for very high-risk cases at this time, who are not likely to survive conventional surgery, though the process may be more available in the next 5 to 10 years, assuming current rate of progress. Question – Are there any other less destructive “blood thinners” available aside from “Coumadin” if I go with the artificial valve?? I’ve heard there may be at least two others available. If there are no options from this substance, I may go with the organic valve option. Are you aware of any effective organic blood thinning alternatives without the chemical drug side effects?? I have taken garlic and cayenne supplements for many years, among others, which I am further researching. Any comments or suggestions on other sources or advice would be appreciated… Thanks, Jim YYYY@YYYY