Aortic Stenosis Blog - Page 2

By Adam Pick

“If I Have Moderate Aortic Stenosis, Why Should I Wait To Have Valve Replacement Surgery?” Asks Paul

By Adam Pick on January 25, 2012

I just had a very interesting conversation with Paul about the progression of aortic stenosis and the timing of heart valve replacement surgery.

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“Can Aortic Stenosis Progress From Moderate To Severe In Just Two Years?” Asks Peter

By Adam Pick on June 8, 2011

I just received an interesting question from Peter about the progression of aortic stenosis. Peter writes, “Adam, I was diagnosed with moderate aortic stenosis two years ago. Unfortunately, I lost my job and have not had an echo in several years. I’m experiencing shortness of breath. Is it possible that the severity of stenosis has progressed that quickly?”

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“Can Aortic Valve Stenosis Be Cured Through Nutrition?” Asks Paul

By Adam Pick on February 26, 2011

I recently received an interesting question from Paul about aortic stenosis and nutrition. Paul writes, “Hi Adam – I’m in my 40’s and just diagnosed with a severely leaking valve. I was told I need a mechanical valve or I will drop dead in 2 to 3 years. I do not want to take Coumadin. Is it possible for patients to enter a natural program — via a qualified nutritionalist — which may actually stimulate tissue growth around the valve, thus fixing the cause rather than treating the symptoms?”

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“How Big Can A Dilated Heart Get From Stenosis?” Asks Julie

By Adam Pick on August 25, 2010

Here’s an interesting question from Julie about heart valve stenosis and enlarged hearts.

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Aortic Stenosis Tool Helps Patients Identify Surgical Needs Online

By Adam Pick on July 22, 2010

Similar to its mitral regurgitation tool, The Cleveland Clinic just announced a new, online program to help patients and caregivers determine their need for cardiac surgery relative to aortic stenosis.

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“What Do Calcified Heart Valves Look Like?” Asks Tanya

By Adam Pick on July 6, 2010

I just received an interesting question from Tanya about calcified heart valve leaflets.

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“What Is The Normal Size Of An Aortic Valve?” Asks Emma

By Adam Pick on July 2, 2010

I just received a question from Emma about the normal size of an aortic valve.

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“How Quickly Does Heart Valve Stenosis Progress?” Asks Emma

By Adam Pick on April 27, 2010

Emma just emailed me an interesting question about aortic valve stenosis and the rate at which this form of heart valve disease progresses.

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“Do Calcium Supplements Accelerate Heart Valve Disease?” Asks Cheryl

By Adam Pick on April 5, 2010

As I suffered from a calcified heart valve prior to surgery, I definitely perked up when I read this email from Cheryl of Ontario, Canada.

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“Aortic Stenosis… The Neglected Child” By Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo

By Adam Pick on January 31, 2010

I recently met Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo, a cardiac surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Although it was our first time chatting, I really enjoyed learning about Dr. Ciuffo’s practice which specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery and, at times, bloodless surgery.

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Trivia Time: How Many People Are Diagnosed With Heart Valve Disease Annually?

By Adam Pick on September 9, 2009

Okay. It’s time for some good ole’ heart valve trivia.

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“Pictures Of Heart Valve Disease?” Asks Ray

By Adam Pick on August 3, 2009

Ray just emailed me a great question about heart valve disease.

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Quick Quiz: Do Quadricuspid Heart Valves Exist?

By Adam Pick on July 4, 2009

Since it is the Fourth of July weekend here in the United States, I thought it would be interesting to write a blog that connects the number “4” to heart valves. That said, here goes nothin’…

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“Erectile Dysfunction and Aortic Valve Stenosis?” Asks Deana

By Adam Pick on June 6, 2009

I just received a unique question from Deana about aortic stenosis and erectile dysfunction.

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Sleep Apnea, Heart Strain, Narrow Heart Valves… Can You Help For Galina?

By Adam Pick on January 27, 2009

Every once and a while I receive a patient question that really, really, really stumps me. In those situations I simply post a blog about the topic to see if YOU have any ideas.

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Trivia: Do Unicuspid Aortic Heart Valves Really Exist?

By Adam Pick on December 18, 2008

One of the most common, congenital heart valve disorders is a bicuspid aortic valve. Patients born with a bicuspid aortic valve have only two leaflets. Normal aortic valves have three leaflets. Ultimately, this can significantly compromise blood flow through the heart and body as the valve tissue degenerates (stenosis, regurgitation).

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Indications For Aortic Valve Replacement Due To Aortic Stenosis

By Adam Pick on November 3, 2008

David just wrote me an email that reads, “Hi Adam – I’m really confused right now. My doctor says I have severe aortic stenosis which could require heart valve replacement. Strange part? I feel fine. Can you help me better understand what are the key indicators for aortic valve replacement?”

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“What Is An Aortic Valve Gradient?” Asks Jack

By Adam Pick on October 5, 2008

At 64, Jack has recently been diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis. Jack writes, “Adam – I’m like a deer in headlights right now. I need aortic replacement soon. I’m curious, the doc mentioned an aortic valve gradient following my echocardiogram. What the heck does that mean? Thanks for all you do, Jack.”

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Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis – What Is It?

By Adam Pick on September 10, 2008

According to reports, aortic valve stenosis is relatively common problem effecting 2% of people over the age of 65, 3% of people over the age of 75, and 4% of people over the age of 85. One of the major causes of stenosis is the calcification of the aortic heart valve. This is especially likely to occur in people with a bicuspid aortic valve, but also occurs as a result of age-induced ‘wear and tear’.

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