David A. Andelman, visiting scholar at the Center on National Security at Fordham Law, wrote an op-ed for CNN about heart valve disease.
On Thursday afternoon at 4, I will be ringing the closing bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to mark National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a tribute to the artificial heart valve that was implanted in my chest during open heart surgery over four years ago. Without that procedure and that amazing device, the closing bell on my life would no doubt have rung some time ago.
So, today, I count my blessings to be among the fortunate who are diagnosed and treated for what’s becoming known as a “silent killer.”
Heart valve disease affects at least 5 million Americans, including 1 of 8 people age 75 or older. It’s equally prevalent outside the United States, and has claimed the lives of millions worldwide.