Question 1

what is the importance of heart valve repair?

Accepted Answer

Avoids replacement: Allows restoration of a function and form in the native valve and corrects any malfunction.

Question 2

could a heart valve repair itself?

Accepted Answer

No: If a heart valve is leaky or stenotic these conditions do not generally improve without intervention. This is due to the fact that once abnormal mechanical forces start they can begin a cycle of negative effects. The rate of progression varies tremendously, often related to the root cause. Many people, for example, with trivial leaky valves live normally without ever having any problems.

Question 3

how common is a heart valve repair procedure for an older person (in their 80's) and how risky is it? waiting to hear on the outcome of a family member's procedure?

Accepted Answer

: These are not uncommon, and newer procedures have often been possible via catheters, avoiding open thoracotomy.  It appears that the newer approaches result in safer outcomes.

Question 4

heart valve repair few yrs
dentist tends to sratch with a hook
which can make the gum bleed on a check up. rather take amoxicillin for a clean only!

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on your situation. Ask MD. Err on side of antibiotics if unsure.

Question 5

im 36 y/o non-smoker and doesnt drink. has a congenital heart disease (heart valve repair at birth) has excessive night sweats for last 10 years and now i have a swollen neck gland that is tender to touch. lost 20 lbs so far no common cold or infects?

Accepted Answer

: Time to seek medical attention as the night sweats and weight loss are significant. A thyroid condition among many other possibilities may contribute to current symptoms. Best would be to start with your PCP  who can coordinate workup and possible local referrals.

Question 6

what are the risk of endocaditis if you have had a heart valve repair few yrs ago and you have a fever ,stomach gasteronteritis or virus with fever gp says i have risk and this can all lead to it ,how true is this ?is the bacteria in the blood?ideas

Accepted Answer

Low risk: The bacteria that cause intestinal infections are uncommon causes of endocarditis. No risk from viruses. Elevated risk depends on the kind of valve repair done, whether you have an artificial valve, etc. Increased risk is primarily from respiratory, skin, or dental infections -- and even with these, the actual risk of endocarditis is very low. Discuss with your cardiologist or cardiac surgeon.

Question 7

what is surgical repair of a heart valve called?

Accepted Answer

Repair: Not sure what is being asked here.  The mitral valve is usually the valve that is amenable to repair in the adult.  The operation is called mitral valve repair or annuloplasty.  The aortic valve when stenosed (tight) in a child, can be repaired; but the outcome of repair is not good in the adult population.  This valve is usually replaced.

Question 8

what is the treatment for a mechanical heart valve that sticks other than open heart?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical valve: If a mechanical valve is not opening properly the treatment is surgical.

Question 9

if i'm having a heart valve replacement do i have the right to insist on a tissue valve or mechanical valve?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Your doctor hopefully will apprise you of the risks/benefits of both valve types.  You as the patient, armed with that advise, can make the decision.  Often times, your doctor will recommend one over the other, but again, you make the final decision.

Question 10

can heart valve regurgitation be reversed or eradicated other than repair/surgery? i have no abnormalities with heart.

Accepted Answer

Sometimes.: When regurgitation  is significant, like moderate-severe regurgitation, it is usually associated with symptoms of heart failure. There are some drugs like diuretics that can diminish the blood volume that the heart needs to work with, which would reduce the regurgitation. This treatment is not needed with mild or minimal regurgitation.

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Doctor answers about:

Mechanical heart valve repair

A member asked:

What is the importance of heart valve repair?

A member asked:

Could a heart valve repair itself?

A member asked:

How common is a heart valve repair procedure for an older person (in their 80's) and how risky is it? waiting to hear on the outcome of a family member's procedure?

A member asked:

Heart valve repair few yrs dentist tends to sratch with a hook which can make the gum bleed on a check up. rather take amoxicillin for a clean only!

A member asked:

Im 36 y/o non-smoker and doesnt drink. has a congenital heart disease (heart valve repair at birth) has excessive night sweats for last 10 years and now i have a swollen neck gland that is tender to touch. lost 20 lbs so far no common cold or infects?

A member asked:

What are the risk of endocaditis if you have had a heart valve repair few yrs ago and you have a fever ,stomach gasteronteritis or virus with fever gp says i have risk and this can all lead to it ,how true is this ?is the bacteria in the blood?ideas

A member asked:

What is surgical repair of a heart valve called?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for a mechanical heart valve that sticks other than open heart?

A member asked:

If i'm having a heart valve replacement do i have the right to insist on a tissue valve or mechanical valve?

A member asked:

Can heart valve regurgitation be reversed or eradicated other than repair/surgery? i have no abnormalities with heart.

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