Study finds infertility history linked with increased risk of heart failure
Women who had experienced infertility had a 16% increased risk of heart failure compared with women who did not have an infertility history.
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Corrigan Minehan Heart Center
Contact Information
Corrigan Minehan Heart Center
55 Fruit Street
Boston,
MA
02114
Phone: 866-644-8910
Email: mghheartcenter@partners.org
Surgeons at the Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan Minehan Heart Center are experienced in performing mechanical valve replacement procedures. Mechanical valves are often inserted to treat malfunctioning valves in the heart. A durable solution, mechanical valves are typically made out of metal or carbon and perform the same function as a healthy, normal valve.
An advantage of mechanical valves is that they are quite durable, and patients typically do not need follow-up surgeries. However, patients who have a mechanical valve replacement need to take blood-thinning medications to prevent a clot from forming on the replaced valve.
Physicians at the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center also perform biological valve replacement surgeries. These valves are made of human or animal tissues as well as artificial parts for support. For the most part, biological valves are either made of cow, pig or human tissues. Depending on the patient and his or her condition, physicians discuss and determine the appropriate valve type for replacement.
The advantage of a biological valve replacement is that patients typically do not need lifelong use of blood-thinning medications. However, valves are less durable and patients, especially younger patients, may need follow-up surgeries.
With current valve substitutes there is a trade-off between durability and the need for blood-thinning medications. Mechanical valves are the most durable type of valve replacement, but patients need lifelong blood-thinning medications. Natural valves, animal-tissue valves and valve repairs provide greater freedom from lifelong use of blood-thinner medications, but are less durable solutions. Though some patients may be better off with a mechanical valve, tissue valves seem to perform very well, and may be the best option.
Patients need to consult their physicians for a thorough evaluation prior to heart valve surgery. The choice and timing of the appropriate procedure can be a complex decision and must be individualized.
Our physicians welcome second opinion appointments to review cases and proposed lines of treatment.
Mass General has earned a distinguished three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes.
Women who had experienced infertility had a 16% increased risk of heart failure compared with women who did not have an infertility history.
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women alike. In this presentation, Dr. Emily Lau reviews the epidemiology of heart disease in women, differences in heart disease between women and men, and special considerations for promoting female heart health.
“Thank you for your service” is a phrase shared with U.S. service members. But Mass General’s Shannon Stuart, RN, a commissioned officer with the Air National Guard, says she is the one who feels the need to share her appreciation.
On January 1, 2020, Carol and her husband traveled to Florida for the start of their four-month winter vacation. Carol felt fatigued as soon as she arrived, but did not initially give much thought to it. After a few days, Carol’s exhaustion had grown, and she’d developed a new pain in her abdomen.
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