Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

Do you know how many open heart surgeries were performed in the United States during 2005?

Want to take a guess? Go ahead… Close your eyes and think about it. Okay. Now open your eyes.

(Scroll down for the answer.)

According to the American Heart Association, the number of annual open heart surgeries performed in the United States was approximately 699,000 during 2005. The break-down of some open heart surgeries, by procedure, was:

• Bypass (cardiac revascularization) - 469,000
• Heart transplants - 2,200
• Valve replacements - 106,000

Why did I write about this?

Well. I am hopeful that it will help future patients and caregivers better understand that open-heart surgery, while complex and risky, is a relatively routine procedure. Click this link to further dispel your fear of heart surgery.

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

Amongst patients, the costs of heart surgery can be a delicate discussion. As you can read, the costs of heart valve surgery vary from patient-to-patient.

To some extent, the initial billings associated with fees from the hospital, the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the cardiologist can make your jaw drop to the floor.

Regardless of what your heart surgery cost will be, I was just reading a fascinating report by the American Heart Association. According to a 2006 study, the AHA believes that the total annual cost of heart disease is…

Go ahead…

Take a guess….

Really… Venture a guess…

$258 BILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR!!! (Yes. That was with a ‘B’ for billlllllllion.) You should know that estimate includes medical services, medications and lost productivity from people affected with heart disease.

My jaw just dropped to the floor again.

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of an actual heart valve surgery patient. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

Yesterday, Sean made some interesting comments to Nancy about the risks of Coumadin use. In his response, Sean referenced an online video for patients and caregivers to learn more about the use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent clotting for those patients that select a mechanical heart valve replacement.

I just spent some time reviewing the video on anticoagulation (Coumadin / Warfarin). Sean was right on. The team at Discovery Health did a good job with this one. While the video can be a little technical, it is rich with information for people looking to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages, risks and opportunities of Coumadin use.

If you would like to watch the Coumadin video, simply click the image video image above or click this “Watch Coumadin Video” text link.

Thanks Sean!

Keep on tickin!

Ever wanted to try your luck at being a heart surgeon?

Well, now you can!!!

A friend just sent me this link which lets YOU play the role of heart surgeon. It’s quite educational and… pretty hard.

Unfortunately, I failed my patient and the computer told me to call my attorney.

I hope you do better than I did!

Keep on tickin!

Adam