Valve Disease: Getting To The Heart Of The Matter (NAPSA)}—Thereis hopeful news for the estimated 5 million Americans whoare diagnosed with heart valve disease each year. Defects in heart valves can exist from birth or develop from damagelater in life. Fortunately, valve disease can usually be successfully treated with surgery in patientsofall ages. If you have been diagnosed with valve disease, have a heart murmur or think you may be experiencing symptoms, be sure to talk with your doctor. Valve Disease Is Not A NormalPart Of Aging Many of the symptomsof valve disease are inaccurately mistaken for the “normal signs of aging.” Age is not a reason to not have valve disease surgery, and valve disease can usually be successfully treated in patients of all ages. Diagnosis Is Key The only way to really knowis to be diagnosed by a doctor, so see yours right away if you are told you have a murmur or you are experiencing any of these: Shortness of breath Weakness or dizziness Pain, tightness or discomfort in the chest Fainting or feeling faint Fatigue Rapid or irregular heartbeat Light-headedness Decrease in exercise capacity Swollen abdomen or ankles and feet. According to the Alliance for Aging Research, many of these symptoms will only happen during activity, but as the disease gets worse, they may also happen while resting. Complications Are Possible When valve damage reduces blood flow, the heart has to work harder and the body gets less oxy- Defects in heart valves can exist from birth or develop from damagelaterin life. Fortunately, valve disease can usually be successfully treated with surgery. gen—leading to a number of symptoms. However, people with valve disease do not always have symptoms, even if their disease is severe. For these people, a heart murmur is the most important clue. Others may have symptoms with less severe disease. Sometypesof valve disease can lead to serious complications, including death. However, most can be successfully treated with surgery. Resources Are Available The Alliance for Aging Re- search recently made a number of podcasts available. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness about the disease, its risk factors, treatment options, tips on effective physician-patient communication and more—all in an effort to encourage patients to seek appro- priate care. The Alliance was founded in 1986 to promote medical and behavioral research into the aging process. Learn more at www.aging research.org.
