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Prem Chopra, 90, is recovering after being diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, his son-in-law and actor Sharman Joshi said. Expressing gratitude to the treating doctors and staff for the “exemplary treatment” in an Instagram post, Joshi wrote: “On behalf of our family, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the exemplary treatment my father-in-law Mr. Prem Chopra Ji received from esteemed cardiologists Dr. Nitin Gokhale and interventional cardiologist Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao. Dad was diagnosed with severe Aortic Stenosis, and Dr. Rao successfully performed the TAVI procedure, replacing the valve without open-heart surgery. Dr. Gokhale’s consistent guidance at every step gave us immense confidence. Their expertise ensured a smooth procedure, complication-free treatment and a fast recovery. (sic)”
Joshi, who is married to Prerana Chopra, one of the veteran’s three daughters, continued, “Dad is now home and feeling much better. We will always be thankful for the exceptional support and care he received.”
Taking a cue from the actor’s post about the diagnosis and subsequent procedure, let’s understand how recovery looks for the 90-year-old.
Dr Parin Sangoi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, informed us that aortic stenosis is a condition in which the heart’s aortic valve becomes stiff and narrow, reducing blood flow to the body. “In people in their 80s or 90s, this is often due to long-standing calcium buildup on the valve, which is part of the natural ageing process. When it reaches the ‘severe’ stage, the heart has to work extremely hard to pump blood through a very tight opening. This can lead to symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting,” said Dr Sangoi.
At 90, even daily activities can become difficult because the body isn’t getting enough blood and oxygen. The condition can worsen quickly, and the risk of heart failure increases if left untreated, said Dr Sangoi. “That’s why recognising symptoms early and making timely decisions is important. Many people overlook these signs, thinking it’s ‘just old age’. However, untreated severe aortic stenosis can severely impact life,” said Dr Sangoi.
With better imaging and less invasive technologies, treatment is often safer than before, stated Dr Sangoi. “What matters most is the patient’s overall strength, mobility, mental alertness, and any other existing medical conditions,” said Dr Sangoi.
He underwent a TAVI procedure. How does that help someone in their 90s?
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is often the preferred choice for elderly patients because it avoids open-heart surgery.
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“A new valve is inserted through a blood vessel in the leg and placed inside the diseased valve. For someone in their 90s, TAVI offers quicker recovery, less pain, and significantly lower risks than traditional surgery. Most patients can sit up and start moving within a day, and symptoms like breathlessness improve rapidly,” said Dr Sangoi.
What should families monitor after such a procedure?
According to the expert, any sudden breathlessness, chest pressure, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or weakness should be reported right away. “Regular follow-ups, blood pressure checks, and periodic echocardiograms are essential. With proper care, many elderly patients return to comfortable, independent routines after TAVI,” said Dr Sangoi.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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