|
Valve Clinic Overview
David Corteville, MD, Director of the Heart Valve Clinic (video)
Aortic Stenosis
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
 |
| Dr. Corteville, Director of the Valve Clinic, with Maureen Ronquist RN, MS, CCRC, Valve Clinic Coordinator |
Valve Clinic Overview
A Valve Clinic is available to patients at McLaren Northern Michigan, which consists of a one-day assessment for patients that have aortic stenosis (AS) or mitral regurgitation (MR). The purpose of the valve clinic is to determine which option is right for you.
Through the Valve Clinic, the patient is seen by both a cardiologist and a surgeon, and appropriate diagnostic testing is typically performed on the same day to determine the best treatment plan. Since testing and assessment occurs in one day and on the same visit, patients are able to condense what would typically be several appointments over several days into one, which is particularly helpful to those patients living in outlying areas.
Valve Clinic options include:
back to top
David Corteville, MD, Director of the Valve Clinic
back to top
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart’s aortic valve narrows. This obstructs blood flow into the aorta, and into the rest of the body, causing the heart to work harder. Eventually the heart muscle weakens and symptoms develop.
Symptoms:
- Heart murmur
- Chest pain or tightness
- Faintness or shortness of breath with exertion
- Fatigue, especially during increased activity
- Sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
Patients with aortic stenosis can realize temporary relief with medications, but valve replacement surgery is the only way to eliminate the condition. Even healthy individuals in their 80s can benefit dramatically from aortic valve replacement. Left untreated aortic stenosis can lead to serious heart problems.
Aortic Stenosis treatment options:
back to top
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the heart’s mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward in the heart, and then preventing it from moving efficiently through the heart and the rest of the body. Eventually, symptoms can develop.
Symptoms:
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when in a prone position
- Fatigue, especially during increased activity
- Light-headedness
- Cough, especially at night or when in a prone position
- Sensations of a rapid fluttering heartbeat
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Excessive urination
Many patients are symptom-free for years because their bodies can tolerate the condition. When symptoms do develop, medications can ease, but not correct, the condition and surgery becomes necessary. Left untreated, mitral regurgitation can lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
Ask your physician for a referral or call 855.MURMURZ (855.687.6879) for information. Our commitment is to work with you and your physician to provide the highest standard of specialty care. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
back to top
| |
|