How long do artificial valves last
Our knowledge of the results of valve replacement surgery only dates back to the 1960s when valve surgery began. It…
What sort of new valves are available?
There are two main types of artificial heart valves used by surgeons. (a) Tissue heart valves. -These valves are constructed…
What does the surgeon do to the diseased valve?
In valve operations the surgeon approaches the heart through an incision made in the front of the chest. The breast-bone…
Surgery for heart valve disease
The heart acts basically as a pump, pumping the blood around the body. Within the heart are four valves which…
Why do I need heart surgery?
The great majority of adults who are advised to have heart operations are suffering from disease of the heart valves…
Glossary of heart termsoemm
ACE INHIBITORS: (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) – Drugs which block the formation of angiotensin-a natural substance which causes narrowing of blood…
Disorders of rhythm (arrhythmia)
The normal heart-beat is initiated by a signal from the pacemaker cells in the heart which is very rapidly conducted…
What is Heart failure
Heart failure is the term used to describe the state of a patient whose heart is not pumping adequately. The…
What is Congenital heart disease
Congenital defects are malformations of the heart or major blood vessels which are caused by abnormal development of the fetus…
What is Valve disease
One or other of the one-way valves in the heart may become diseased so that it does not fully open…