I was hoping Gail was a member here.
My valve was replaced in 1991 at 43. I have since run, biked & swum uncountable miles and finished over 250 races of all types. I turn 70 in just a few weeks. Never a record setter at any age, but that's not why I'm still in the game.
I got my pacemaker this past April after being diagnosed with bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a consequence of my mechanical aortic valve interfering with the electrical signals in my heart. After a couple of visits to get the pacemaker's auto rate response function fine-tuned, I'm swimming faster than ever.
I've tried not let my cardiac issues define me. Most days I don't even think about it anymore, except maybe when I take my Warfarin pills every night.
At the same time, I know I'm extremely blessed and lucky that my cardiac procedures have not left me with any restrictions on my physical activities - I know of others who have not been so fortunate.
You have to play the hand you're dealt...
