Healing Hearts Without Heart Surgery | Medical News and Health Information

Reported May 16, 2011
Healing Hearts Without Heart Surgery -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis is a serious heart disease caused by an abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve. When the valves narrow to a significant degree, normal blood flow from the left ventricle to the arteries becomes obstructed, and heart problems arise and can ultimately lead to heart failure. Aortic stenosis is three-times more common in men than in women. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

CAUSES & COMPLICATIONS: There are three conditions known to cause aortic stenosis in adults:
• Progressive wear and tear of a bicuspid valve present since birth (congenital).
• Wear and tear of the aortic valve in the elderly.
• Scarring of the aortic valve due to rheumatic fever as a child or young adult.

Normal aortic valves have three cusps, but 2 percent of people are born with only two cusps (bicuspid valves). The bicuspid valves don't open as widely as three cusps would, and over time, excessive wear and tear leads to calcification, scarring, and reduced mobility of the valves, possibly resulting in aortic stenosis. This form of the disease is most commonly found in patients younger than 65.

The most common cause of aortic stenosis in patients age 65 and over is called "senile calcific aortic stenosis". As people age, the protein collagen in the valves deteriorate, and calcium is deposited in its place. The valve decreases in mobility, and narrowing increases along with scarring.

Rheumatic fever is an infection caused by the streptococcal bacteria. The infection severely damages the valves and causes narrowing. Aortic stenosis caused by rheumatic fever is relatively uncommon in the United States.

NON-SURGICAL HELP: Instead of open-heart surgery, doctors at Miami's Miller School of Medicine are performing a different kind of procedure. A catheter is placed in the leg or chest and is delivered to the heart. Then, a balloon pushes aside the diseased valve and implants a new device. This procedure is still in clinical trials but should become available later this year. [Healing Hearts Without Heart Surgery -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information] MORE >> Healing Hearts Without Heart Surgery -- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Omar Montejo, Media Relations
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL
(305) 243-5654
Omontejo@med.miami.edu


Healing Hearts Without Heart Surgery | Medical News and Health Information