Heart valve surgery study reveals patient challenges

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A unique survey of seventy-eight former heart valve surgery patients was published earlier today. The study reveals many patient insights about recovery issues, cardiac surgeons, hospital care and patient expectations. Conducted by Heart-Valve-Surgery.com (www.heart-valve-surgery.com), the survey required former patients to complete an extensive questionnaire specific to their heart valve surgery experience – from diagnosis through recovery. Patient data was collected during the first three months of 2007.

The survey comes as the latest figures show that heart disease account for 20% of all causes of deaths in the United States with almost half a million deaths each year. With almost 38% of people who experience a coronary episode in a given year, succumbing to it, awareness of corrective choices and the factors governing them is crucial to survival.

“We developed the survey to better understand the patient and caregiver perspective relative to heart valve surgery,” stated Adam Pick, the site founder and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. “The survey results are both somewhat concerning and encouraging.”

One of the startling results from the study focused on second opinions. According to Pick’s research, thirty-five percent (35%) of patients did not acquire a second opinion prior to having heart valve surgery.

“For me, this is a problematic, missing step in the process leading up to cardiac surgery,” states Pick. “Confirmation of the diagnosis is critical in any procedure, especially an invasive heart surgery.”

To download your free copy of the 2007 Heart Valve Surgery Patient Survey, please visit www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com.

About Adam Pick
A leading analyst and researcher, Adam Pick was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and regurgitation in 2005. Following his recovery from double, heart valve replacement surgery, Mr. Pick launched a personal mission to help future patients and caregivers avoid the potential pitfalls of heart valve surgery. The result of his experience and his research is now contained in the unique, world-wide selling book, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery.

Contact:
Adam Pick
Telephone: 310-622-8739
Email: adam@Heart-Valve-Surgery.com
http://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com