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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For A Thickened Heart Valve

My Father is having heart valve problem, due to which he resently suffered breathing problem for couple of hrs and was hospitalised, after getting sonography and X Ray of chest it was identified his one of the valve is thickened. What should be my next step
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that a thickened valve may result in malfunctioning, as a result of insufficient opening (valve stenosis), or any associated valve coaptation/closure (valve insuficiency). Any possible heart valve dysfunctions are easily revealed by performing cardiac ultrasound. If valve stenosis and/or insufficiency is diagnosed and its severity quantified, the next step to follow is a comprehensive work up to the appropriate management.
When valve dysfunction isn't severe enough, and the overall cardiac performance is not compromised, then optimal medical therapy is indicated (according to current medical guidelines) to relief symptoms and stabilize the patient.
If valve dysfunction is important and/or overall cardiac performance indexes are sufficiently compromised, and optimal medical treatment could not prevent further disease progression, then surgical treatment is indicated to restore normal valve function (repair or replacement).
You have to discuss with the attending cardiologist to define the stage of any possible valve dysfunctions and corresponding medical criteria for the most appropriate treatment option and follow up.

Hope to have been helpful. Greetings!
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Suggest Treatment For A Thickened Heart Valve

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that a thickened valve may result in malfunctioning, as a result of insufficient opening (valve stenosis), or any associated valve coaptation/closure (valve insuficiency). Any possible heart valve dysfunctions are easily revealed by performing cardiac ultrasound. If valve stenosis and/or insufficiency is diagnosed and its severity quantified, the next step to follow is a comprehensive work up to the appropriate management. When valve dysfunction isn t severe enough, and the overall cardiac performance is not compromised, then optimal medical therapy is indicated (according to current medical guidelines) to relief symptoms and stabilize the patient. If valve dysfunction is important and/or overall cardiac performance indexes are sufficiently compromised, and optimal medical treatment could not prevent further disease progression, then surgical treatment is indicated to restore normal valve function (repair or replacement). You have to discuss with the attending cardiologist to define the stage of any possible valve dysfunctions and corresponding medical criteria for the most appropriate treatment option and follow up. Hope to have been helpful. Greetings!