calcified heart valve Archives

If a person has heart valve disease, it’s not uncommon to also experience other conditions or disorders at the same time, including atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease. Another disease that can affect patients with heart valve disease is an aortic aneurysm. What is an aortic aneurysm? An aortic aneurysm is when the walls of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) begin to weaken and bulge. This aneurysm can result in a blood leak into the body if it bursts; however not all aortic aneurysms burst. Aortic aneurysms also can force blood away from organs and tissues resulting in heart attacks, kidney damage, stroke, and death.

Bicuspid aortic valve disease is often linked to ascending aortic and aortic root aneurysms. Patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease should also be evaluated for aortic aneurysms.

An aortic aneurysm can appear in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Chest aneurysms often develop due to genetics, but other causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, plaque buildup, or a traumatic injury. With this type of aneurysm, the symptoms are often not present until the aneurysm is large or bursts. Symptoms that a person may experience can include chest pain, back pain, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing, and shortness of breath.

Often, there are no signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, some people may have back pain, deep pain on the side of the abdomen, or a throbbing sensation near the navel. If this aneurysm bursts, a person can feel sick and vomit, become sweaty, become dizzy, or feel extreme pain in the abdomen or the stomach. Doctors are not certain what causes abdominal aortic aneurysms but some things that may contribute to its development include hardening of the arteries, smoking, high blood pressure, and genetics.

In some cases, aneurysms can actually cause aortic valve disease or dysfunction. How? The aortic root is connected to the aortic valve and the stretching of the root can stretch the valve, which can lead to valve leakage or insufficiency. Patients with aortic aneurysms usually get checked for aortic valve problems, too.

Aneurysms often take years to grow, and they should be taken seriously. To prevent the development of an aneurysm, it’s best to maintain a good blood pressure and to avoid activities and exercise that require intense straining.

If you have an aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease, talk to a valve specialist to determine a specialized treatment plan for your condition. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a cardiac surgeon who specializes in aortic valve surgery. To book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844.

Your doctor just told you that you have a calcified heart valve. One of your heart valves is stenotic. You potentially may need it repaired, or completely replaced. What does this exactly mean? How is there calcium build up on my valve? What is a stenotic valve? Is surgery the only option?

Upon being diagnosed with a type of heart valve disease, a lot of questions are probably buzzing around in your head – as they should be. Remember, never hold back from asking your doctor questions. You have just been diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis, which can be a very serious condition if left untreated. So, you should feel the need to ask and learn everything about this disease.

For this article, we address heart valve calcification/mitral valve stenosis to give you an overview of this disease. First, mitral valve disease is when the mitral valve (located between the left atrium and left ventricle heart chambers) is no longer working properly. When the valve isn’t functioning properly, the heart is unable to pump enough blood out of the left ventricular chamber to give the body oxygen-filled blood. There are different types of mitral valve disease, but for this article, we will focus on mitral valve stenosis (obstruction).

Mitral valve stenosis is when the valve’s opening has narrowed and the valve’s flaps have thickened or stiffened; the flaps may have even fused together, which causes the narrowing or blockage of the valve. When this occurs, blood backs up in the left atrium of the heart instead of flowing to the left ventricle.

When the heart valve becomes calcified, there is a large amount of calcium on the valve, and it has been building up for many years. When the valve becomes calcified, the flaps become stiff and the valve narrows and becomes stenotic. How does this happen? Well, there are a few reasons. Some people’s valves begin to calcify just from age and wear and tear of the valves. Some people are born with congenital valve abnormalities. Some people’s lifestyle choices and history (smoking, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, elevated cholesterol) can lead to calcified valves. Some people’s valves become calcified through atherosclerosis, which is a process that causes arterial blockages in different parts of the body.

A person who has severe stenosis and calcification will experience shortness of breath, chest pain and lightheadedness.

With moderate to severe cases, surgery (valve repair or valve replacement) is usually suggested as the best option to fix the valve and eliminate symptoms. Patients can choose with their doctor whether they want a mechanical or biological heart valve. It’s good to note that even if you get your heart valve repaired or replaced, a biological valve can calcify again.

Unfortunately, there Is no known way to truly prevent the valves from calcifying. However, if a person does have a calcified valve, he or she should be under the watch of a cardiologist, to assess if the valve worsens over time. The cardiologist will most likely want to follow up in 6 months to a year. Treatment, such as surgery, will be suggested when deemed necessary.

Are you suffering from valve stenosis or calcification and looking for a surgeon? Dr. Peter Mikhail is a cardiac surgeon who specializes in performing surgeries on mitral and aortic valves. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, FL, and treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater areas. To book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844.

Today, we are going to discuss a treatment method for aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation – two serious conditions that affect the heart’s aortic valve – called Mini-AVR.

First, let’s talk about what those conditions are.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the cusps of the aortic valve become abnormally rigid and do not fully open. This narrowing of the valve creates resistance against the pumping of blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body, and if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure.

Typically, this condition is the result of degeneration due to natural aging and health issues and calcium buildup on the valve cusps over time causes them to stiffen.

Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve allows blood to leak back into the left ventricle. It’s often caused by valve damage due to a recent infection or rheumatic heart disease, or it’s a congenital heart defect you were born with.

The symptoms of both conditions include shortness of breath, chest pain or heaviness, fainting or lightheadedness, decreased physical endurance during exercise, and swelling of the limbs.

The severity of aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation will determine treatment. A Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement, or Mini-AVR, involves the surgical replacement of the aortic valve with a prosthetic valve. Its benefits include less trauma and pain, better cosmetic results, a shorter recovery time, and a potentially lower financial cost.

During Mini-AVR surgery, a small incision is made in the upper chest area, and a cardiopulmonary bypass machine is used to take over functions of the heart and lungs, so that blood continues to flow around the heart and the body’s oxygen levels remain stable. A surgeon will open the aorta (and, if necessary, remove any diseased valve cusps), measure the valve ring, and insert the prosthetic valve.

The surgery typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. Several recent studies have shown that a Mini-AVR procedure is potentially safer than a conventional AVR procedure with a full sternotomy, which calls for much larger incision.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for aortic valve conditions. In some cases, medication may be effective treatment for aortic regurgitation. However, receiving timely surgery is often advised because a significant delay could lead to congestive heart failure.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a cardiac and thoracic surgeon based in New Port Richey, Florida, who treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater areas. For more information on his practice or to schedule a consultation, visit Mitral Valve contact page or call 727-312-4844.

Have a sweet tooth? Cupcakes. Chocolate. Ice cream. These sweet treats are certainly delicious, but they’re best eaten in moderation. Sugar is the main ingredient that makes these foods extra tasty. Unfortunately, too much of this ingredient is harmful to our bodies, including our heart.

According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014, a diet high in sugar can raise a person’s risk of dying of heart disease. Even if your weight is in a normal range, you can still be at a higher risk because of your sugar-heavy diet. In this study, people who consumed 17 to 21 percent of their calories from this ingredient had a 38 percent higher chance of dying from heart disease compared to people who only had 8 percent of their calories coming from added sugar. The more sugar a person consumes, the higher the odds are for him or her to die from heart disease.

Most adults in America consume around 22 teaspoons of added sugar in their daily diet, which is well over the recommended amount. According to the American Heart Association, most women should consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day, and most men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar per day.

It’s easy to consume excess sugar in today’s world. Much of the packaged food out there is processed and made with added sugars. Some foods known for their high sugar count include: soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies, donuts, bagels, fruit drinks, waffles, cereals, sports drinks, ice cream, sweetened yogurt, pies, pastries, and more.

When people consume too much added sugar, they also risk gaining weight, raising their blood pressure, and developing Type 2 diabetes. These high-sugar foods are usually devoid of quality vitamins and minerals, as well.

It’s OK to have these foods in moderation, but for daily sweet cravings opt for fruit instead.

If you currently have heart disease and are looking for a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Peter Mikhail performs mitral valve surgery and aortic valve surgery in the cities of Tampa, Clearwater and New Port Richey in Florida. To book an appointment, click here or call 727-312-4844.

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The aortic valve is vital to the proper functioning and regulation of blood flow from the heart. As a one-way valve, it conducts blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart to the all-important aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body. In a properly functioning aortic valve, the flaps that regulate the blood flow close so that no blood makes its way back into the ventricle of the heart. Failure of the flaps to close properly can create problems that can lead to a need for valve replacement surgery.

Any type of heart surgery sounds like a very serious and very scary prospect. However, aortic valve replacement can be a minimally invasive procedure that will replace the faulty valve with an artificial valve that properly functions and closes. Any type of condition that causes the valve to stop functioning and lets blood flow back into the ventricle is something that must be addressed or a whole host of other issues can result.

Sometimes, this is a problem that can be corrected by certain medications. However, this is not something that is effective in every case, leading to the need for other types of treatment. Using a procedure called a mini-aortic valve replacement, you can be on the mend in no time, with no need for super invasive surgical procedures.

With mini-aortic replacement, often called Mini-AVR, a 3- to 4-inch incision in the chest is all that is needed for the doctor to perform the corrective procedure. By going through the upper portion of the breast bone or chest wall this reduces the amount of scar tissue and size of the area affected by the surgery – which reduces both down time and recovery time. This procedure could not only save your life, but will have you back doing your normal routine before you know it.

Mini-AVR is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of different problems with the aortic valve. The aortic valve is an incredibly important element of the heart. With this type of surgery, you can be back in action in no time.

Do you currently suffer from aortic valve disease? Dr. Peter Mikhail is a cardiac surgeon who specializes in Mini-AVR. He will meet with you to discuss if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure based on your medical history, current condition, lifestyle and symptoms. To book an appointment with Dr. Mikhail, click here or call 727-312-4844. To learn more, click the Mini-AVR page.

If you’ve been diagnosed with heart valve disease, or know someone who has, you’ve probably heard a lot talked about the heart valve flaps. Well, what exactly are heart valve flaps? What do they do?

Heart valve flaps are also referred to as heart valve leaflets. The heart valve flaps are made up of tissue, and they operate like doors. They open and close to allow blood flow through the heart in one direction. When functioning properly, these flaps close tightly. The mitral valve has two flaps and the aortic valve has three valve flaps.

When people experience heart valve problems, the flaps are often to blame. If the flaps no longer close tightly, a patient has a good chance of developing heart valve disease. Depending on what’s happening to the flaps and valve, the person can be experiencing a different type of heart valve disease.

For the mitral valve, there are three different ways for the flaps to fail at doing their job. Mitral valve regurgitation/insufficiency is when the flaps do not close tightly, so blood leaks back into the left atrium of the heart. In mitral valve stenosis, the flaps have thickened or stiffened and may even fuse together. Because of this, there is a narrowing of the valve or a blockage. Lastly, mitral valve prolapse is when both of the valve’s flaps are enlarged or bulging, which keeps them from closing evenly.

With the aortic valve, aortic valve regurgitation occurs then the flaps no longer close properly and blood flows back into the left ventricle of the heart. Aortic valve stenosis is when the flaps have thickened or stiffened and potentially fuse together, which narrows the valve.

If you’re having a problem with the flaps in your mitral valve or aortic valve, you may be a good candidate for mitral valve surgery or mini-AVR. If you’ve been looking for a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Peter Mikhail specializes in mitral valve surgery and mini-AVR. He is based in New Port Richey, Florida. To learn more click the Mitral Valve Surgery or Mini-AVR pages. To book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844.

Have you been diagnosed with a calcified valve? Or, you know someone who has? Heart valve calcification is a form of heart valve disease. If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, you (and they) are not alone. In fact, more than 5 million people are diagnosed with heart valve disease in the United States every year.

In this article, we will discuss the basis on heart valve calcification so you can better understand the condition and all that it entails. When the heart valve becomes calcified, this means there is a large quantity of calcium built up in the valve over the course of many years. Most often, the aortic valve is the valve that is affected by calcification, and this condition is called aortic stenosis. However, the mitral valve can becomes calcified, as well.

As the calcium builds up, it becomes hard and thick, which causes the valve to become narrower. When the valve is narrow, it is no longer opening and closing properly so blood flow to the heart becomes lessened and constricted. This calcium blockage puts pressure on the heart to work harder.

Calcification of a heart valve can occur for a number of reasons. One reason is age. Another reason is genetics. But, a person’s lifestyle can also contribute to heart valve calcification. Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and chronic kidney disease can lead to calcium build up.

If you have a calcified valve, there is a chance you have experienced some not-so-pleasant symptoms. Some symptoms of this condition include: chest pain, light-headedness, shortness of breath.

If a valve with this condition is left untreated, it may potentially cause a person’s heart to enlarge or thicken. If this occurs, a person will certainly begin to feel worse. If calcification/stenosis is severe enough, it could lead to cardiac arrest, but usually getting control of symptoms and getting aortic valve surgery or mitral valve surgery solves this problem.

If you have aortic valve stenosis or mitral valve stenosis and are eligible for surgery, book a consult with mitral valve and aortic valve surgeon expert Dr. Peter Mikhail. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida. Make an appointment with him today to decide what type of surgery is best for you and your current condition. Click here or call 727-312-4822 to book an appointment with Dr. Mikhail.

MITRAL VALVE BLOG

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What is Mini-AVR?

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What Are Heart Valve Flaps?

What Is A Calcified Heart Valve?

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Aortic Stenosis 101

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