MU researchers develop new method of researching heart valves, hope to lay foundation for future treatments

University of Missouri researchers have developed a new way to study heart valve stiffness. Heart valve stiffness is caused by build up of calcium in the heart, which can make the heart pump blood less efficiently.

Shiyou Chen is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, and said heart valve stiffness develops when a heart valve gets injured—whether it’s from age, diet or lifestyle.This causes calcium to build up in the heart, which leads to future complications.

Chen said that there are no medications or treatments for heart valves, so surgery to replace the original valve with an artificial one is the only option.He added that surgery is not ideal

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