Roy SkillenHeart Disease (LINK)
June 23rd 2008 23:15
Its official Australia is now the world’s fattest nation. For a country that prides its self on its sporting achievements this really is a sorry state of affairs. But it’s not the embarrassment that this title brings that Australians should be worrying about, the future medical problems that our ever expanding waste lines will bring is of far greater concern. High blood pressure, diabetes even a constant lack of energy and depression are just a few, but the greatest worry has to be heart disease. Experts at www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm say that heart disease is already the world’s biggest killer and is becoming more and more common. Between 5 and 10 percent of the world’s population already suffer from a condition known as mitral valve prolapse. This occurs when the valve between your heart's left upper chamber (left atrium) and the left lower chamber (left ventricle) doesn't close properly. When the left ventricle contracts, the valve's leaflets bulge (prolapse) upward or back into the atrium, which can sometimes lead to blood leaking backward into the left atrium, a condition called mitral valve regurgitation.
www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm says that mitral valve prolapse can be controlled by simple medications such as beta blockers, asprin or Prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners). These will help stop you blood from clotting and prevent any irregular heartbeats. But for some the mitral valve regurgitation is so severe that the only option is surgery.
Mitral valve repair is a surgery to preserve your own valve. This is done by the surgeon modifying the original valve (valvuloplasty) to eliminate backward blood flow. Surgeons can also repair the valve by reconnecting valve leaflets or by removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly.
The other option is valve replacement. Valve replacement is only done when valve repair isn't possible. In valve replacement surgery, the damaged mitral valve is replaced by an artificial valve.
Although mitral valve prolapse is a lifelong disorder, many people with this condition never have symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have a heart abnormality.
When signs and symptoms do occur with mitral valve prolapse, it's typically because blood is leaking backward through the valve (regurgitation). Symptoms can vary widely from one person to another. They tend to be mild, develop gradually and may include:
 A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
 Dizziness, lightheadedness
 Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often when lying flat or during physical exertion
 Fatigue
 Chest pain that's not associated with a heart attack or coronary artery disease
Remember mitral valve surgery is only necessary in extreme cases but if you are worried and require more information got to www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm.
www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm says that mitral valve prolapse can be controlled by simple medications such as beta blockers, asprin or Prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners). These will help stop you blood from clotting and prevent any irregular heartbeats. But for some the mitral valve regurgitation is so severe that the only option is surgery.
Mitral valve repair is a surgery to preserve your own valve. This is done by the surgeon modifying the original valve (valvuloplasty) to eliminate backward blood flow. Surgeons can also repair the valve by reconnecting valve leaflets or by removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly.
The other option is valve replacement. Valve replacement is only done when valve repair isn't possible. In valve replacement surgery, the damaged mitral valve is replaced by an artificial valve.
Although mitral valve prolapse is a lifelong disorder, many people with this condition never have symptoms. When diagnosed, people may be surprised to learn that they have a heart abnormality.
When signs and symptoms do occur with mitral valve prolapse, it's typically because blood is leaking backward through the valve (regurgitation). Symptoms can vary widely from one person to another. They tend to be mild, develop gradually and may include:
 A racing or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
 Dizziness, lightheadedness
 Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often when lying flat or during physical exertion
 Fatigue
 Chest pain that's not associated with a heart attack or coronary artery disease
Remember mitral valve surgery is only necessary in extreme cases but if you are worried and require more information got to www.umm.edu/heart/mitral.htm.
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