News Center

Friday, May 16, 2008

St. Francis cardiologist explains heart valves, murmurs, May 27

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Have you or a family member been diagnosed with a heart murmur? Are you unsure about what that means?

At an upcoming “Ask the Doc” program sponsored by the St. Francis Heart Center on Tuesday, May 27, cardiothoracic surgeon Marc Gerdisch, M.D., will explain why it is important to understand how heart valves may cause murmurs and when it’s time to seek treatment.

Gerdisch is the medical director of
Cardiac Surgery Associates in Indianapolis.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that do not close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected.

Surgery, including heart valve repairs and valve replacement, can correct the condition and prevent heart failure.

The free, hour-long program starts at 6:30 p.m. at Swisher Center, St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Rd. To register, call 317-782-4422.