Heart Disease

Are there any alternatives to heart bypass surgery?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: Coronary artery bypass is the gold standard for coronary artery disease. However, there are many other ways to treat it.
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My mother is undergoing surgery to have a mechanical heart valve. What is the lifespan of a mechanical heart valve?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: Mechanical heart valves are made of pyrolytic carbon, similar to industrial grade diamond. It is very hard and wears very little.
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What happens when a heart valve is leaking, and what is the treatment?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: A leaky valve (also called an Incompetent valve) means that a portion of the blood flow moves backwards to the normal flow. If the backward flow is too large, heart failure can result.
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My dad, 60, has a weak blood vessel behind the heart - an aneurysm waiting to happen. They said it was non-operable. Could this be something he could live with for years?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: Repair of these aneurysms has changed drastically with the advent of endoluminal stent grafting. Read the doctor's full answer.
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My father had a quadruple bypass in 1999. Recently, they found 2 grafts that were 100% blocked and 2 that were 100% open. The doctor no stent or bypass is needed because his body created new vessels. Should we be concerned?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: Your father is fortunate that this flow is present and that the grafts are not needed to provide it. Read the doctor's full answer.
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What size does an aorta aneurysm need to be to be operated on?
Dr. Allen Raczkowski answered: Traditionally, aortic aneurysms are operated on when they reach 5 cm -- but it depends on other factors. Read the full answer.
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My mother described an incident that sounded like a stroke but which left her only a bit dazed. I think she may have had a mini stroke. Should she see a doctor as soon as possible?
Dr. John Connolly answered: You haven't related exactly what your mother described, but if any of the details do match what you have heard about strokes, by all means she should see her doctor at once.
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