3 Myths About Heart Valve Surgery

Many myths spread around when it comes to any medical condition or surgery. People often share their experiences and consider everyone to go through the same thing.

A heart valve surgery is a prominent surgery, and many myths are created about this surgery. Let us throw light on some of these myths and compare them with facts.

• Myth: You should get cardiac surgery when no option is left.

Fact: Not only heart valve surgery, but any surgery when done on time can yield promising results. You should not consider heart valve surgery as your last option. If you delay the surgery, your heart might develop permanent weakness, making surgery riskier. So, get your surgery done on time.

• Myth: Heart valve surgery is very risky.

Fact: Today, medical science has made a lot of progress. The risk in any form of surgery has been reduced tremendously. The success rate of a timely done heart valve surgery is 95%. However, you might be risking your health by not getting the surgery done.

• Myth: Heart valve surgery is highly painful.

Fact: A heart valve surgery is done under the influence of anaesthesia. Therefore, the patients sleep comfortably while the surgery is performed. And no pain is experienced. Your doctor will also provide you with effective painkillers to ensure a pain-free recovery.

Causes:

Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. These valves include the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve. Each valve has flaps (leaflets or cusps) that open and closes once during each heartbeat. Sometimes, the valves don’t open or close properly, disrupting the blood flow through your heart to your body. Heart valve disease may be present at birth (congenital). It can also occur in adults due to many causes and conditions, such as infections and other heart conditions like Regurgitation, Stenosis, Atresia, etc.

Conclusion:

One should not blindly follow myths and advice regular people give. Consult an experienced surgeon and doctor to know if heart valve surgery is the right choice and last choice.