Coronary arteries are the blood vessels which supply the muscle of the heart with its oxygen and energy supply. Coronary arteries can become blocked by the build-up of a fatty substance in the wall of the coronary artery. When the blockage is severe, it produces chest pain during exercise and … Surgery for coronary artery diseaseRead more
Healthy Heart
Healthy Heart
Why worry about the teeth?
Micro-organisms in the mouth and particularly those around the teeth and gums have a special tendency to enter the blood stream and cause infection on abnormal heart valves, including replacement valves of all types. For this reason, before valve surgery is undertaken, special attention is paid to the state of … Why worry about the teeth?Read more
What is the risk of a heart valve replacement operation?
Currently the hospital mortality (death within 30 days of the operation) for single valve replacement is around 4%. Multiple valve replacement procedures carry a slightly higher risk than single valve procedures. There is also an increased risk if the patient requires coronary artery surgery in addition to the valve procedure. … What is the risk of a heart valve replacement operation?Read more
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 must be said that there is no perfect artificial heart valve. However, the long-term results are excellent. Only a minority of patients (around 20% to 25%) will require reoperation within … How long do artificial valves lastRead more
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 using natural biological tissue. The tissue is often animal tissue treated with a substance which preserves the tissue and makes it impossible for the patient’s body to reject the new … What sort of new valves are available?Read more
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 (sternum) is cut lengthwise giving good access to the heart which lies in the centre of the chest cavity. During the main part of the operation when the heart itself … What does the surgeon do to the diseased valve?Read more
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 ensure that the flow of blood is unrestricted and one way. Heart valves may become damaged or diseased so that the normal function is disturbed. Diseased valves may obstruct the … Surgery for heart valve diseaseRead more
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 or of the coronary arteries or both. A smaller number have heart defects present since birth (congenital defects). This chapter will give details on the two major groups, that is, … Why do I need heart surgery?Read more
Glossary of heart termsoemm
ACE INHIBITORS: (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) – Drugs which block the formation of angiotensin-a natural substance which causes narrowing of blood vessels, especially in the kidney. These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. ANEURYSM-Ballooning out from a weak spot in the arterial wall or the heart … Glossary of heart termsoemmRead more
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 over the whole heart so that its billions of muscle cells get the message simultaneously and contract collectively to provide an effective heart-beat. The conducting pathways can, however, become diseased. … Disorders of rhythm (arrhythmia)Read more