Two Views on Calcium Deposits in Heart

I have a leaky mitral valve and calcium deposits in my heart. One surgeon said: “We leave calcium deposits alone.” Another one said: “We always remove them.” Both doctors are world-class. Why would they have different opinions?

Both of your doctors could be right. It depends on where the calcium is, how much is there, and whether it is buried in the heart muscle or mobile, like in a valve leaflet. If it is immobile, it may not be necessary to remove because it is anchored in place and may not be causing any problems.

If it is moving, it may be susceptible to breaking off into the bloodstream, and its removal might be a priority. Be bold and ask both doctors to explain their positions. Having a significant leak in your valve could be a reason for operating to try to fix it.

Heartbeat

Cardiac Test Basics

Please explain the difference between an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram. What exactly do these tests tell doctors about the heart?

Give the Gift of Life

My brother-in-law just turned 50 and needs a new heart. We sometimes hear that wealthy people get donor organs quicker than others. Is this true? How long is the usual wait for a new heart?

Low-Dose Aspirin for Heart Health

What is the latest information about taking daily baby aspirin to help the heart?

Heart Defect Often Causes No Symptoms

I had a stroke in 2003, and a diagnostic test showed a “hole” in my heart with no right-to-left shunt. The shunt didn’t show up on a different kind of test in 2009, either. I came through the stroke fine because I went to the hospital right away and have been on warfarin ever since. My question is: If there’s no shunt, is the hole present?

Surgery Corrects Heart Rhythm

Q: How does the Maze treatment for atrial fibrillation work, and what does it involve? A: The Maze procedure is open heart surgery to eliminate rapid heartbeats. It involves making a series of incisions in the top portion of the heart, the atria. In experienced hands, the procedure is successful in more than 90 percent [...]