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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Ted just sent me a very appropriate question about mitral valve stenosis.
He writes, “Adam - I’ll be going in for mitral valve surgery due to stenosis next month. I’m doing my best to cope with the reality of open heart surgery. Quick question… Do you know what mitral valve stenosis looks like? Thanks for everything, [...]

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Joseph Minnucci has really taken advantage of our new Heart Valve Journals tool to communicate with his support group and fellow patients. That said, you may already be aware that Joe had heart valve replacement surgery on February 8, 2010.

Joseph Minnucci - Heart Valve Replacement Patient

After reading through Joe’s journals, I clicked on his photos [...]

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I just read in her Heart Valve Journal that Penny McIntosh has seen her recovery get “back on track” after a few post-operative complications including atrial fibrillation and fluid in her lungs. As you may know, Penny had mitral and tricuspid valve repairs and a MAZE procedure performed on February 26, 2010.

Penny McIntosh - Double [...]

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Ray just emailed me a great question about heart valve disease.
He writes, “Adam - Try this one on for size… I’m 57 and newly diagnosed with severe stenosis in my aortic valve. The docs think I need surgery soon. I can’t believe it. I feel fine. No real symptoms. But, the echo shows my heart [...]

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Ray just emailed me a great question about heart valve disease.
He writes, “Adam - Try this one on for size… I’m 57 and newly diagnosed with severe stenosis in my aortic valve. The docs think I need surgery soon. I can’t believe it. I feel fine. No real symptoms. But, the echo shows my heart [...]

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There is something about a thoughtful email from a loving caregiver that really moves me - in a good way.
Although I was a patient, I can directly relate to the fear, uncertainty and doubt that caregivers struggle with as they collect information on behalf of their mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, wifes, husbands, brothers, sisters and [...]

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Are you like me?
When I was diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, I wanted to learn as much as I could about aortic stenosis (my valve disorder), aortic valve surgery and the recovery from open heart surgery.
Specifically, during my second-opinion with Dr. Chaikin, I learned that my heart valve leaflets had narrowed due to the [...]

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Jenny must be tired of seeing my scar sprinkled throughout this website. She asks, “Adam - Do you have any pictures of incision scars for women who have had open heart surgery? I’m getting ready for open heart surgery and would like to see what my chest scar might look like.”

Well, I do have [...]

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I just received a question from Laura which asks, “My mom was recently diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. During her discussion with the cardiologist, he said that her valve flaps were not closing tightly and causing a leak. What exactly does this mean?”
Understanding heart valve anatomy is critical to better understanding the diagnosis of heart [...]

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