Heart Disease

Regurgitation is the term for a heart valve that leaks and does not close all the way. Blood leaks back through the heart valve after it closes. When the valve regurgitates, the supply of oxygen-rich blood moving through the heart is reduced, which can... Full Answer

Researchers at the University of Scranton tested nine different kinds of raw and roasted nuts and two types of peanuts for the ability of their polyphenols (powerful antioxidants) to stop the oxidation of LDL, the process that triggers... Full Answer

Most heart valve conditions cannot be treated with medication alone. However, sometimes the problem is not severe enough to require surgical repair, but it is bothersome enough to cause symptoms or risks. In cases like these, a condition might be... Full Answer

As with all surgeries, there are inherent risks. You can reduce your risks by choosing a surgeon and surgery center with well-documented experience treating patients with similar conditions as yours. Because every patient’s risk factors are... Full Answer

Until recently, the American Heart Association recommended giving antibiotics to these patients before they had dental work to prevent endocarditis. However, those guidelines have changed — the American Heart Association no longer recommends... Full Answer

Heart valve disease is not a condition that should be ignored when treatment is recommended. In fact, when a person’s aortic stenosis becomes severe, the average survival rate without surgical intervention is only 50% after two years and only 20%... Full Answer

Treatment for heart valve disease will include a plan to: Protect your heart from further damage Assess your need for medication Repair the heart valve problem, if needed Educate yourself on management, self-care, and the importance of follow up care Full Answer

Stenosis is the term for a heart valve that does not open properly. When the valve is working properly, it opens fully to allow all the needed blood to flow through. When a patient has aortic stenosis, the valve does not open all the way so less blood... Full Answer

Most heart valve problems are first noticed with the detection of a heart murmur. When a health care provider can hear the blood whooshing or a valve clicking as blood moves from one chamber to the next, it is called a heart murmur. Many heart murmurs... Full Answer

Because healthy heart valves are critically important to a healthy circulatory system, a heart valve problem can either be the cause or the effect of several other related problems. Taking a few minutes to learn more about these conditions can help you... Full Answer