If you’re living with a heart valve problem, you may feel the weight of every breath, every step, every moment of fatigue. Not long ago, treatment meant risky open-heart surgery with only a 50% survival rate. “Today, thanks to advanced technology, you have safer options – even if you’re in your 90s,” says Hannah Copeland, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with HonorHealth Heart Care. The difference is life-changing: less time in the hospital, fewer symptoms, more energy, a longer life and the chance to enjoy more of what matters to you.
Many patients now qualify for minimally invasive surgery with an incision of less than three inches. Older adults may also benefit from an FDA-approved TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure, which allows doctors to replace the valve through a small blood vessel in your groin – no open-heart surgery required.
Why your valves matter
Two of your heart valves – the aortic and mitral – keep blood flowing the way it should. When they don’t open or close properly, it can make your heart work harder and leave you short of energy.
What can cause valve disease
Valve problems can develop over time, from birth, or because of an infection. They may be stiff (stenotic) or leaky (regurgitant).
- Aortic valve disease is often caused by natural aging, congenital defects or aneurysms.
- Mitral valve disease can be linked to extra tissue (prolapse), narrowing (stenosis) or leakage.
When to talk to your doctor
See your doctor if you notice:
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Swelling in your legs
- Fluid in your lungs
Your doctor may hear a heart murmur and use an echocardiogram to check how your valves are working. “Not every leaky valve needs to be treated, but they all need to be investigated,” Dr. Copeland says.
Treatments that fit your life
Today’s valve replacements are designed to help you heal faster and get back to living your life. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and reduces risk. Most replacements use natural valves from a cow or pig rather than mechanical valves.
The FDA-approved TAVR procedure gives many high-risk patients another option. By replacing the valve through a groin blood vessel, surgeons can restore your heart function without open-heart surgery. For the best outcomes, it’s important to choose a center like HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center that specializes in the procedure.
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