[GianFabien]

Your concerns are valid. Statistically you are in greater danger every time you cross a busy city street. People do run red lights, lose control, etc.

Talking about heart ops. I have a friend who had a complete heart transplant around your age. After 28 years, that heart started stiffening up, etc so he's had a second heart transplant and doing Ok. With COVID there were some concerns about his immune system, etc. But all under control and he is going well.

Another friend has had two heart valve "repairs" (I'm not sure exactly that entailed). He is back to running, playing squash, taking the dog for long walks.

The best option is to ask to talk to some of your surgeon's former patients. From what I have observed, there are such groups based around hospitals. I think their experiences are more likely to be relevant to your questions.

As for any ticking noise. I would be far more concerned if it should stop.

[cordis]

Thank you for putting the situation into perspective. I'm told by the surgeons that the probability of a successful 30-day outcome in my specific case is 98%, so the car ride to and from the hospital is more dangerous statistically.