Info needed-- Chronic AI

Can anyone tell me if they have knowledge about my situation.
I have been diagnosed with Aortic Insufficiency. Doc says its "Chronic" and on a scale of 1-10, Im a 5/6.

Im having symptoms but not severe. I went to the doctor b/c of my symptoms...although they were not bad, I knew heart disease runs in my family so I wanted to just make sure all was well. My symptoms are shortness of breath, minor chest pain off and on and sometimes it feels like my heart is racing. It has not interfered w/ my normal activities.
I do exercise -- walk 3-4 days a week for 45 mins to an hour.

What does this diagnosis mean? Is it serious?
Is open heart surgery necessary?
Am I going to live another 40 years? I am 53 and pretty healthy. Not overweight, non smoker, Non drinker. Excercise is moderate.
Have HBP, High Cholestrol, Thyroid disease and Rhuemetoid arthritis.

Post Edited (bcm65) : 5/25/2018 12:22:41 PM (GMT-6)

Thanks Susie.
I go to the dr on Thursday to talk more.

I've had an echo and a stress test. He wants to do a chemical stress test-- but I've heard these are often ordered and are not necessary. Since he already knows what I have, do I really need this add'l test? I am concerned to about the risk associated w/ cancer. I've heard these test can increase your chances.