The MitraClip procedure represents a cutting edge way to fix a leaky mitral valve. For a broad overview of the procedure and the type of patients who need it, see our article The MitraClip – Treatment for a Leaky Heart Valve. The following article is meant for all levels of those wishing to learn about the…
Heart Flutter
Heart flutter is a nonspecific term often used by people when describing an abnormal sensation in their chest that may refer to one of several conditions which may be benign or may be concerning, including premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), premature atrial contractions (PACs), heart block, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, POTS, or muscle spasms in…
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement): The New Heart Valve Replacing Open Heart Surgery
What Is A TAVR (TAVI)? TAVR is a revolutionary new heart valve treatment most commonly used to treat a tight aortic valve, otherwise known as aortic stenosis, TAVR stands for ‘transcatheter aortic valve replacement’, it is also commonly referred to as TAVI, which stands for ‘transcatheter aortic valve implantation’. TAVR and TAVI are the same thing. Transcatheter…
Can You Die From a Broken Heart?
My wife lost her first love recently. Preceding me by five years, this guy was a constant presence in her house when we met. He shared her bed. He slept on her sofa. He ate her food. Even when I cast questioning glances his way during the early days of our courtship, nothing changed. I…
The Widow Maker Heart Attack
The widowmaker is the quintessential heart attack. And it’s dangerous. Find out why they call this LAD blockage the widow maker, what you can do to limit the risks of such a heart attack, and how widowmaker heart attacks are treated.
Did That Stent Save My Life?
Pretty much everyone knows someone who has had a stent placed in his or her heart. The story told by the patient with the stents is classic. The chest pains had been coming and going for a while, but they had been passed off as indigestion or muscle pain. Tests were done, and showed that…
