by DrCiuffo | Jun 21, 2018 | Blog, Dr. Giovanni B Ciuffo, Heart Health
Leaking Heart Valves Patients living with leaking heart valves have more options than ever. A bio heart valve or mechanical heart valve may be the best option to repair a damaged heart. A leaking heart valve not only puts additional strain on the hardest-working muscle in your body, it can lead to aneurism or separation and further damage to your heart. Mechanical Heart Valve One option patients may be offered is heart valve replacement. A mechanical heart valve has several advantages. Primarily, there is little to no risk of the valve itself being rejected by the body. A mechanical valve may not wear out as quickly as a bovine (harvested from a cow) or porcine (harvested from a pig) heart valve. Patients may, however, require blood thinners when living with a mechanical heart valve. How Long Do Pig Valves Last in Humans? The answer varies. The valves last an average of seven to ten years in patients over 65. Conditions affecting the metabolism of calcium in the body, especially in children and young adults, increase the chances and the speed of failure of a bio heart valve. Bio Heart Valve A bio heart valve, which is harvested from either a cow or pig heart may be implanted either using a structure called a stent, or may be “stentless.” The likelihood of a bio heart valve failing depends on the individual patient’s condition and a number of other factors. Your doctor can help you decide which type of valve is right for you when considering bicuspid aortic valve replacement options. Biological Heart Valve Pros and Cons The primary advantage of... by DrCiuffo | Jun 15, 2018 | Blog, Dr. Giovanni B Ciuffo, Heart Health, Heart Surgery, Recovery
What is a Normal Pulse Range Following surgery, vital signs are carefully monitored in the hospital. You may find that your heart rate after open heart surgery has changed. Symptoms like a speeded up heart rate or a pulse deficit may indicate an fibrillation problem. Normal Pulse Range The normal pulse rate for adults at rest ranges from 60-100 beats per minute. The normal pulse range can change after a surgery or under continuing stress. It’s important to check with your doctor to ensure your vital signs are where they should be for you. Everyone is different. An “average” is what’s normal for most people in the general population. What’s normal for you may vary. Pulse Deficit A pulse deficit occurs when your doctor can find a difference between the number of heartbeats observed with a monitor (like a stethoscope or EKG) and the pulse that’s able to be felt at the wrist or other pulse point. A pulse deficit happens when your heart is beating but the pulse isn’t reaching the extremities. It may indicate a weakness in your heart, atrial fibrillation, or very early ectopic beats. Vital Signs Your vital signs are the best indicator of your overall heart health. If you’re experiencing a change in your heart rate after open heart surgery, you will want to discuss your heart rate and blood pressure with your doctor. It’s important to learn to monitor your own heart rate at resting and during exercise so that you have a baseline to refer to when checking your pulse. If you have any questions following your treatment or about your heart... by DrCiuffo | May 17, 2018 | Blog, Heart Health
Did you Know? Higher Risk of Blood Clots while Traveling/Flying Long distance traveling can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, also known as a blood clot. Long distance flights or rides that last more than four hours may increase your risk of a blood clot. Knowing the risk, and how to minimize it, can make travel much safer. Risk Factors Not everyone experiences the same risk of blood clots. Certain conditions can increase your risk and may affect your ability to travel long distances safely. Certain cancers, recent surgeries, and chronic inflammatory diseases increase your risk. Other risk factors include pregnancy, age (if you’re over 60,) a family or personal history of blood clots, smoking, a recent trauma, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prior central line placement. If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to talk to your doctor when planning a long trip. Signs to Watch Out For When you’re sitting in a confined space for any length of time, the risk of a blood clot forming increases. The blood flow is restricted, meaning that there are more opportunities for clots to take shape. The risk factor increases the longer you remain in a confined position. The longer the flight or drive, the greater the risk of a blood clot forming. In some cases, a clot will dissolve naturally, without the sufferer ever being aware it existed. In others, however, it can break loose and travel to the heart or lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism or even a heart attack. If you experience swelling in the leg, ankle or calf, redness or...
