Mitral Valve Prolapse Center - Valdosta, GA
Valdosta Cardiologist Doctors for Mitral Valve ProlapseType of Physician: Cardiologist What is a Cardiologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat). Specialty: Cardiology Common Name: Heart Doctor Cardiologist Doctors in Valdosta * Richard J Nijem MD  Valdosta Medical Clinic  Valdosta Medical Clinic  R Darrell Collins DO  Tift Area Cardiology  Affinity Health Group  Cardiology Consultants of South Georgia  Cardiology Consultants of South Georgia  Cardiology Consultants of South Georgia  Cardiology Consultants of South Georgia  Douglas Medical Associates  Waycross Cardiology  Waycross Cardiology  Waycross Cardiology  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Cardiology Associates  Robert Glover MD  Gordon C Miller MD Valdosta, GeorgiaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)Read the Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) article » What is mitral valve prolapse?Mitral valve prolapse (also known as "click murmur syndrome" and "Barlow's syndrome") is the most common heart valve abnormality, affecting five to ten percent of the world population. A normal mitral valve consists of two thin leaflets, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Mitral valve leaflets, shaped like parachutes, are attached to the inner wall of the left ventricle by a series of strings called "chordae." When the ventricles contract, the mitral valve leaflets close snugly and prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium. When the ventricles relax, the valves open to allow oxygenated blood from the lungs to fill the left ventricle. In patients with mitral valve prolapse, the mitral apparatus (valve leaflets and chordae) becomes affected by a process called myxomatous degeneration. In myxomatous degeneration, the structural protein collagen forms abnormally and causes thickening, enlargement, and redundancy of the leaflets and chordae. When the ventricles contract, the redundant leaflets prolapse (flop backwards) into the left atrium, sometimes allowing leakage of blood through the valve opening (mitral regurgitation). When severe, mitral regurgitation can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Most patients are totally unaware of the prolapsing of the mitral valve. Others may experience a number of symptoms discussed below. The mitral valve prolapse (MVP) syndrome has a strong hereditary tendency, although the exact cause is unknown. Affected family members are often tall, thin, with long arms and fingers, and straight backs. It is seen most commonly in women from 20 to 40 years old, but also occurs in men. What are the signs and symptoms of mitral valve prolapse?Most people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms, however, those who do commonly complain of symptoms such ... Recommended Reading Related to Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)Introduction to Heart Valve SurgeryDiseased heart valves can be treated both surgically (traditional heart valve surgery) and non-surgically (balloon valvuloplasty).
What Happens During Traditional Heart Valve Surgery?During traditional heart valve surgery, a surgeon will make an incision down the center of your sternum (breastbone) to get direct access to your heart. The surgeon then repairs or replaces your abnormal heart valve or valves.
What Happens During Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery?Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is a type of surgery performed through smaller incisions. This type of surgery reduces blood loss, trauma, and length of hospital stay. Your surgeon will review your diagnostic tests prior to your surgery to determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive valve surgery. Often, the surgeon and cardiologist (heart doctor) will use transesop... Other Related Mitral Valve Prolapse ArticlesEmergency Contact for Valdosta
Nearby Valdosta Hospitals *South Georgia Medical Center Greenleaf Center Valdosta Smith Northview Hospital Brooks County Hospital Louis Smith Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital of Adel Berrien County Hospital Madison County Memorial Hospital Trinity Community Hospital Turning Point Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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