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Heart valve disorders
When heart valves malfunction it greatly interferes with the heart’s ability to pump blood. Often a valve disorder makes a very distinctive murmuring sound which can be heard though a stethoscope. Some patients can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, while others may require surgery. Read our resources for the latest evidence on this topic.
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Heart Valve Problems: Should I Choose a Mechanical Valve or Tissue Valve to Replace My Heart Valve?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps patients who will undergo heart valve replacement surgery decide on whether to get a mechanical or tissue replacement valve by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Web-based interventions are effective in the short term for improving risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in older individuals
Journal of Medical Internet Research (2016) -
Aortic Valve Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with symptoms from aortic valve stenosis decide on whether or not to have surgery to replace the valve by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Mitral valve regurgitation: Repair or replace the valve?
Health Link B.C.You may need surgery to treat mitral valve regurgitation. Surgery options include repairing the valve or replacing with an artificial valve. Speak with your doctor to determine which surgery may be right for you. -
Mitral valve stenosis
Health Link B.C.Mitral stenosis is a heart disease caused by the narrowing of a heart valve which stops it from opening properly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and pounding heart. If left untreated, mitral valve stenosis may cause serious heart damage. -
Mitral valve replacement surgery
Health Link B.C.Mitral valve replacement is done by open-heart surgery to treat heart valve problems such as mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve stenosis. Depending on the cause of your condition and how severe it is, your doctor may recommend this surgery. Details about risks and benefits of this surgery in this resource. -
Aortic valve regurgitation
Health Link B.C.Aortic valve regurgitation is a heart disease caused when your heart valve does not close properly allowing backflow of blood. Symptoms include chest pain, a rapid heart beat and lightheadedness. Medication or surgery are common treatments. If left untreated, aortic valve regurgitation can lead to heart failure. -
Technical difficulties and preferences for in-person care may reduce patients’ acceptance of telehealth
Annals of Behavioral Medicine (2014) -
Mobile health interventions can improve medication adherence and physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease
European Journal of Preventative Cardiology (2015) -
Nurse-led clinics can lower the risk of death and myocardial infarction, and increase medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (2015) -
Heart valve replacement surgery: Life after surgery
Health Link B.C.Recovery from heart valve replacement surgery usually lasts several weeks. Regular checkups with your doctor will be a part of your recovery. You may also need to take blood thinners and antibiotic medications. -
Heart valve replacement surgery
Health Link B.C.Heart valve replacement surgery is performed to repair or replace a valve that is not working properly. In most cases, a surgeon will operate to remove the damaged valve and replace it with a new one. This is a common type of surgery with a low risk of complications. -
Atrial fibrillation
Mayo ClinicAtrial fibrillation is an abnormal or irregular heart beat that can increase your risk of circulation problems. Some people have no symptoms, some people feel weak, dizzy or short of breath. Treatments include electric cardioversion, surgery or medication. -
Telerehabilitation may be a feasible way to encourage exercise and improve physical functioning among those with cardiopulmonary disease
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention (2015) -
Self-management support interventions improve patient quality of life and reduce use of hospital care for patients with long-term respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
Health Services and Delivery Research (2014) -
Healthy living goals for heart valve patients
American Heart AssociationPlan your recovery ahead of time when having heart valve surgery. Watch the video on this webpage to learn about how to best communicate with your doctor, what to expect for recovery and how to plan for surgery. -
Implantable medical devices for heart failure
American Heart AssociationAfter heart failure, you may require surgery to replace your heart valve and increase blood flow. For serious cases, doctors may recommend an implanted defibrillator to help the heart beat at a normal rhythm. -
Options and considerations for heart valve surgery
American Heart AssociationYour treatment options for heart valve conditions may be medication or surgery. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce your symptoms and correct irregular heartbeats. -
Medications for heart valve symptoms
American Heart AssociationYour doctor might prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic, antibiotics, anticoagulants or beta-blockers medicine for your heart valve problems. These help to ease symptoms and avoid risk of complications (such as blood clots).
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