Dean Snow has had open-heart surgery three times. As a psychologist who works with heart patients, he has unique insight into the ways valve disease can impact mental and emotional health.

Dianne Galbraith finally learned the cause of her crushing fatigue: a leaking mitral valve that needed urgent surgery. Even more surprising was the likely cause: a childhood bout of rheumatic fever that might have damaged her heart.

At age 27, the meaning of that murmur became clear when Cole was diagnosed with severe aortic valve disease. He shared his insights as both a heart valve patient and a healthcare professional.

Christian was active and healthy, with a growing young family. He was shocked to learn he had heart valve disease and needed urgent surgery.

Rudy Cuzzetto didn’t realize how a faulty heart valve was affecting his life — until he followed his wife’s advice to see a doctor.

After a successful valve replacement on the same day her sister had heart surgery, Lise urges women to pay attention to their hearts.

After surgery to repair a leaky heart valve, Mandy says, “It’s as though I’ve discovered new gears on my bike!”