Heart Valve Disease Week – Are You at Risk?
Category: Health and Wellness Issues
Feb 15 – Feb 22 is heart valve disease awareness week.
As many as 11.6 million Americans are estimated to have heart valve disease, and each year around 25,000 people die from the disease. Fortunately, valve disease can usually be successfully treated in patients of all ages.
Getting personal
On a personal note, last March your editor’s heart valve disease became very serious. Although I knew I had a leaking mitral valve, it was always a someday, maybe, kind of problem. Then during some exercise my heart began racing, and went into atrial flutter. Long story short, after some superb medical care I had a mitral valve repair via robot, minimally invasive. Today it is almost as if nothing ever happened. But I was lucky. Please be aware that this problem does affect millions of people. When you get your medical checkups, pay attention to anything pointing to this disease. Follow your doctor’s advice. And if you experience symptoms – get help fast!
Comments on "Heart Valve Disease Week – Are You at Risk?"
Shumidog says:
Mine was diagnosed last spring, a murmur which indicate Aortic valve stenosis. Because of 'comorbidities' I didn't have surgery until late October. All in the time of Covid. Not a great time to have a problem.
Beebs says:
Did you have any other symptoms?
John Brady reply: Not really. I felt like I was slowing down - my exercise routine was harder for me. But the atrial flutter was a complete, and scary surprise. I was supposed to have had annual visits with cardiologist, but because I was feeling good I had missed some. Memo to self: Pay attention.