Learn how to care for yourself as you recover at home after a thoracotomy. This includes information on when and how to go back to your usual activities.

Thoracotomy is surgery used to diagnose and treat certain lung problems. Learn about what to expect before and after the surgery.

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve problem. It's usually not serious. With this problem, the valve bulges slightly back into the atrium when it closes. This may allow a tiny amount of blood to leak.

Aortic insufficiency means your aortic valve has problems closing. Blood leaks back through the valve. Extra blood may cause the ventricle to stretch. A stretched ventricle doesn't squeeze as well. In time, the heart won't move blood the way it should.

Aortic stenosis means your aortic valve has a problem opening. The left ventricle has to work harder to push the blood through the valve. In some cases, this extra work will make the muscle of the ventricle thicken. This type of stenosis can quickly get worse.

Valve disease occurs when a valve doesn't open or close the way it should. If a valve doesn't open all the way, the heart has to push blood through a smaller opening. If the valve doesn't close tightly, some blood will leak backward.

The heart contains 4 valves. The valves open and close to keep blood moving in the right direction through the heart. With each squeeze, the valves open and close to keep blood moving forward.

You'll start feeling back to normal a day or 2 after getting home. But don't forget that you just had surgery. Here is information to speed your recovery.

Medicines can help you feel better and stay as healthy as you can. Take your medicines exactly as instructed. Never stop taking medicines or change dosage unless told to by your doctor, even if you feel better. Here are some capsule definitions of medicines that might be prescribed.

Your doctor will outline a treatment plan to help you live better with cardiomyopathy and stop it from getting worse. Follow your doctor's instructions. And read on to learn helpful tips.