What is a PFO? PFO stands for Patent Foramen Ovale. A simple way to think of PFO's is as a hole in the main interior walls of the heart. In the image below, you can see where the hole forms a connection between the left and right atrium, aka the upper chambers of the heart.…
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…
The MitraClip – Treatment for a Leaky Heart Valve
The Mitraclip procedure for mitral regurgitation is performed on a leaky mitral valve. This article presents a broad overview of the procedure and the people who need it. For a detailed overview of the MitraClip procedure itself, please see our article How to do the MitraClip Procedure – A Complete Guide. A leaking mitral valve can…
Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral Regurgitation is basically a leaky mitral valve. It’s also known as mitral valve regurgitation, mitral insufficiency or just MR for short. Look at the image of the mitral valve below. The mitral valve separates the top and bottom of the left side of the heart (the main pumping chamber). Usually, the mitral valve stops…
Bicuspid Aortic Valve – All You Need To Know
A comprehensive yet easy to understand synopsis of the bicuspid aortic valve. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and tips for patients and physicians alike.
Mitral Annular Calcification
Mitral Annular Calcification is a complex process that occurs in the heart. This article, written by a cardiologist, explains Mitral Annular Calcification, how it’s diagnosed, treatments, risk factors, and common complications associated with the condition.
Aortic Sclerosis – Is it Dangerous?
Aortic sclerosis is a condition whereby the aortic valve becomes thickened but does not significantly obstruct flow, unlike aortic stenosis, which does. This article outlines the dangers associated with aortic sclerosis, risk factors, treatments, and whether you should request to have an echocardiogram.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation (Mitral Insufficiency)
By Mustafa Ahmed MD What is Mitral Valve Regurgitation (Mitral Insufficiency)? Mitral Valve Regurgitation also known as Mitral Insufficiency is basically a leaky mitral valve. As a doctor that specializes in heart valve disease, this is the most common valve problem I see. The mitral valve stops blood flowing backwards from the main chamber of…
Leaky Heart Valve – When The Mitral Valve Fails
A leaky heart valve, when the mitral valve is the valve involved is known as mitral regurgitation. The most common cause of this leaky heart valve is mitral valve prolapse and it is the most common valve related disease in the US. Other causes include an enlarged heart and coronary artery disease. See some of…
Can Mitral Valve Prolapse Cause Death?
At myheart.net we've helped millions of people through our articles and answers. Now our authors are keeping readers up to date with cutting edge heart disease information through twitter. Follow Dr Ahmed on Twitter @MustafaAhmedMD Follow @MustafaAhmedMD Very few conditions have caused as much controversy and frustration over the years as mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Most…
