I just received a question from Dawn about her recent diagnosis of mitral regurgitation.
Dawn writes, “Adam – Two days ago, I was diagnosed with “moderate to severe” mitral regurgitation. My cardiologist told me that surgery is likely in the next 24 months. Needless to say, I’m confused by all of this and looking to learn [...]

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Similar to its mitral regurgitation tool, The Cleveland Clinic just announced a new, online program to help patients and caregivers determine their need for cardiac surgery relative to aortic stenosis.

Here is a snippet from their website about the interactive, aortic stenosis tool:
“Is surgery recommended for your aortic stenosis? This interactive tool, based on the American [...]

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I just received an interesting question from Tanya about calcified heart valve leaflets.
Tanya writes, “Dear Adam – I am hoping you can help me better understand my diagnosis of mitral stenosis. The doctor mentioned that I am moderate-to-severe and could be facing surgery soon. The cardiologist also said that my valve may be calcified. I’m [...]

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One of the primary exams used to detect heart valve disease involves the stethoscope.
While this diagnostic device, invented by Rene Laennec in 1816, is not as technologically advanced as 3D-MTEE imaging, stethoscopes can help cardiologists and surgeons quickly identify variable forms of heart valve disease.

The two most common forms of heart valve disorders are aortic [...]

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I just received a very appropriate email from Phil about age groups and heart valve surgery.
Phil writes, “Hi Adam - On Friday, I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid aortic valve. I’m 48 years old with three great kids and a loving wife. This was a complete shock to me and [...]

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I just received a roller coaster email from Sarah about endocarditis, swine flu (H1N1 virus) and heart valves that made my head spin. In the end, Sarah raises some great points for patients and caregivers about endocarditis, swine flu, fevers, false tests and dental work. Here is what she writes:
Adam,
I just returned from a very [...]

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I just received a roller coaster email from Sarah about endocarditis, swine flu (H1N1 virus) and heart valves that made my head spin. In the end, Sarah raises some great points for patients and caregivers about endocarditis, swine flu, fevers, false tests and dental work. Here is what she writes:
Adam,
I just returned from a very [...]

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The University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center just released a rather troubling study about patients who are  diagnosed with mitral regurgitation and do not receive surgical treatment. I guess this is one more reason why second opinions are so valuable. Here are the details:
Overblown fears about (i) surgical risk and (ii) lack of awareness about the [...]

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Okay. It’s time for some good ole’ heart valve trivia.
The question is, “How many people are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year in the United States?”
a. 300,000 people
b. 500,000 people
c. 3,000,000 people
d. 5,000,000 people
e. 30,000,000 people
To see the answer, scroll below the picture of the diseased mitral valve leaflets:

According to a recent, population-based study, [...]

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I just received a great, follow-up question about medical tests used to diagnose heart valve disease from Sophie.
Sophie writes, “Adam - Thanks for the recent blog about cardiac MRIs and echocardiograms. Unfortunately, my aortic regurgitation continues to become more severe. It looks like I’ll need surgery soon. To better diagnose it, I’ve been told I [...]

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