A comparison of outcomes in men 11 years after heart-valve replacement with a mechanical valve or bioprosthesis

Article Abstract:

Individuals older than 60 who need heart valve replacement may do better with a bioprosthetic valve, while those younger than 60 may do better with a mechanical valve. Bioprosthetic valves are usually taken from slaughtered animals. An 11-year follow-up of 575 men who received either a bioprosthetic heart valve or a mechanical valve found that the mortality rates were similar. Those with mechanical valves were more likely to experience episodes of bleeding. However, all 31 men whose valves failed had received a bioprosthetic valve. Twelve of the men (39%) died as a result. Twice as many men in the bioprosthetic group had to have the valve replaced, compared to those in the mechanical group. Bioprosthetic valves are susceptible to failure, but they do not increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. Mechanical valves are less likely to fail, but they are more likely to cause blood clots. Individuals who receive these valves must take anticoagulants for the rest of their lives.

Prognosis, Surgery, Heart valve replacement

---

Implications of third heart sounds in patients with valvular heart disease

Article Abstract:

Patients with some types of valvular heart disease may have a third heart sound, or S3 gallop, but they may not be in the early stages of heart failure. A third heart sound may be an indication of heart failure in some patients. Of 1,281 patients with valvular heart disease, 46% of those with mitral regurgitation and 28% of those with aortic regurgitation had a third heart sound, compared with 11% of those with aortic stenosis and 8% of those with mitral stenosis. In patients with aortic stenosis or mixed aortic valve disease, a third heart sound was associated with a decreased ejection fraction, a measure of the amount of blood pumped by the heart to the body. Patients with mitral regurgitation who had a third heart sound had only a slightly lower ejection fraction. A third heart sound can also occur in younger individuals who do not have heart disease.

Diagnosis, Heart, Heart sounds

---

Health-Related Quality of Life as a Predictor of Mortality Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Article Abstract:

The Physical Component Summary score of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire may predict which patients who have received coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery might die. SF-36 is a questionnaire that assesses physical functioning, psychological functioning, social functioning, role functioning, and general health perceptions to determine a person's health-related quality of life. Researchers gave the SF-36 to 2,480 people who had CABG surgery. Five percent of the patients died within six months of surgery and a low Physical Component Summary score was associated with an increased risk of dying.

Health aspects, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Quality of life, Cardiac patients, Coronary artery bypass

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A comparison of continuous intravenous epoprostenol (prostacyclin) with conventional therapy for primary pulmonary hypertension
• Abstracts: Doctors in groups may lose control with managed care - survey. part 2 Doctors, experts debate how to be open about fees
• Abstracts: Flaws surfacing in use of advance directives. Panel sidesteps antitrust relief, calls for more study. What office changes are required under disabilities act?
• Abstracts: Exercise of the month: lying triceps extension. Is once enough? Hard - but infrequent - workouts are the surest route to a massive physique
• Abstracts: Mitral annular calcification and the risk of stroke in an elderly cohort. Parental Atrial Fibrillation as a risk factor for Atrial Fibrillation in offspring

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.