Heart geometry

Take a pie chart, which is basically what a cross section of an aortic valve would look like. Now divide it in three sections. That’s what your average valve would look like. Erase that and make only one dividing line giving you two sections. And that is what 20% of the population has. My cardiologist explained it to me today, although he didn’t use a pie chart. And yes, I’m in the elite 20% group. In the case, less is not more.

Another allegory, though not universally understood, would be bagpipes. To play the bagpipes, you blow air through a blowpipe. Think of the breath as the heart, Between the blowpipe and the bag, there is a valve. That valve needs to be in good condition and leak proof. Also, the pipes need to be played everyday, otherwise they lose the moisture and tauntness. Just like a human body. My point here is the importance of the valve.

So, that’s what I just had replaced. No gasping groans from me!