Today on The View, Barbara Walters announced on camera that she will be having surgery later this week to replace a leaky heart valve.

Dr. Ralph Brindis, President of the American College of Cardiology, explains valve replacement:

“Valve replacement surgery is a common operation with a low mortality rate.

“Conditions that would cause someone to need valve replacement are relatively common and usually either require observation or medication- but when severe are best treated with valve repair or replacement. The decision for repair or replacement depends on the valve involved and the actual diseased involvement of the valve.

“The long term results after valve replacement are excellent but do typically require medications along with post operative care by cardiologists.

“Patients can resume fully active and productive lives, often feeling substantially better than how they felt prior to their surgery.

“Sometimes valve replacement is recommended with severe leakages prior to the development of severe symptoms so as to minimize any potential irreversible damage or weakening of the heart muscle.”

Ralph Brindis, MD, FACC, is president of the American College of Cardiology. To speak with Dr. Brindis, please contact Ana Fullmer at (202) 375-6229.

For more information on heart disease and heart disease prevention, please visit www.CardioSmart.org. 

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About the ACC:
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 37,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care.