The Lifestyle Chronicles - Questions Determine Potential

Mayo Clinic has confirmed that moderate to severe heart valve disease develops with increasing age. The incidence is similar in the general population and in Olmsted County but valve disease was diagnosed less in women of Olmsted County. The range is from 0.7 percent of those 18 - 44 years old to 13.3 percent of those 75 years and older. This represents 2.5 percent of adults or approximately 5 million people in the U.S. The study is published online in The Lancet.

This is a significant finding that could represent increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. However, it is a finding that demands additional study. Does this problem have clinical significance? Does it need treatment? What treatment is effective? Is this another health problem related to lifestyle? Can it be prevented? Mind-sets determine questions and the answers determine directions.

Will this be another health problem that fuels medical treatments or an opportunity to identify a route to better health?

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