Archives

What is the general progression of mitral valve disease in a young healthy adult?

1) It’s quite variable. There do not presently seem to be indicators of an impending need for mitral valve repair....

How do LA volume indices and LA diameter measurements relate to my mild mitral regurgitation?

Mild mitral regurgitation (MR) implies that the degree of mitral regurgitation is not of hemodynamic significance, i.e., unlikely to affect...

Why do biologic valves break down faster in children or young adults?

The longevity of biologic valves is affected by growth factors and enzymes which are more prevalent in children and/or young...

From a severity standpoint, is it okay to wait 6 weeks to have this evaluated?

Dear Aubrey, It sounds like your shortness of breath may be due to the valve disease. If so, surgical replacement...

What should I do about bilateral apical pleural thickening?

Thickening of the apical pleura may be a result of several conditions, mostly benign. Without further information about your age...

For a bicuspid aortic valve, is minimally invasive AVR or conventional AVR better?

Either technique is good. In my opinion, the choice ideally belongs to your surgeon who should explain why one approach...

Is it possible to have stroke-like symptoms with an aortic valve problem?

Some diseases of the aortic valve may lead to stroke-like symptoms or a definite stroke. Narrowing of the aortic valve...

Does yawning have anything to do with an erratic heart rate or leaking heart valve?

There is not much on yawning in the medical literature. It is however described as an involuntary opening of the...

Is pulmonary regurgitation reversible?

Pulmonic regurgitation is mild and of no clinical consequence in many cases and is not really related to high blood...

What does mild thickening/mild aortic regurgitation mean?  I have HELLP syndrome.

For a mildly thickened aortic valve cusp and mild aortic regurgitation (AR) in a 38-year-old female, the prognosis is good....

Can my stenotic, bovine aortic valve be corrected by TAVI?

The procedure known as Valve in Valve TAVR is no longer experimental and is being done worldwide. Check with you...