I had a dilated aorta which required surgery. Just turned 50. So, after tests and scans and stuff, opened up and the valve replaced with a titanium one, along with some of the aorta as well. I got my class 3 back after about 18 months, and I'm on Warfarin as well, which creates its own issues, and apart from an annual scan and report all still OK. Tres scary though.