Heart Valve Surgery (Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid Valves)
Heart valves can be abnormally formed as birth defects or damaged by
rheumatic fever, bacterial infection. Valves
can also degenerate with the normal aging process. To compensate for
these valve disorders, the heart is forced to pump harder. This excess work
can weaken the heart, causing it to enlarge, and cause shortness of
breath, chest pain, increased fatigue, swelling of the ankles and legs,
dizziness or fainting.
If medications are no longer able to control the symptoms, heart valve
surgery may be recommended. Some valves can be surgically repaired to
help them open or close more efficiently.
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