About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) Surgery
Introduction
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) is a surgical procedure used to treat aortic valve disease, which can be caused by conditions such as aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation. The surgery involves replacing the diseased aortic valve with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve.
Indications for AVR
AVR is recommended for patients with:
- Severe aortic stenosis causing symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting)
- Severe aortic regurgitation with symptoms or evidence of heart failure
- Moderate to severe valve disease in patients undergoing another heart surgery
Types of Aortic Valve Replacement
- Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) - Traditional open-heart surgery where the chest is opened to replace the damaged valve.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - A minimally invasive procedure where a new valve is inserted via a catheter through the blood vessels.
Risks of AVR Surgery
While generally safe, AVR surgery carries potential risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Stroke
- Valve dysfunction or failure
- Arrhythmias
Postoperative Care and Recovery
- Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days for SAVR, shorter for TAVR
- Physical activity: Gradual return to normal activities
- Medications: Blood thinners may be required, especially for mechanical valves
- Follow-up: Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are essential
Conclusion
AVR is a life-saving procedure for patients with severe aortic valve disease. The choice between SAVR and TAVR depends on the patient’s age, overall health, and risk factors. A thorough consultation with a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon is necessary to determine the best approach.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/38/36/2739/4095039
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
2. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2024/03/13/18/13/2024-acc-aha-clinical-performance-valvular
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809971/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/12/16/21/58/2020-ACC-AHA-VHD-GL-Pt-1-GL-VHD
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.