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Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart disease has a variety of causes, some present at birth (congenital) and others that occur later in life and compromise the function of the heart’s valves or chambers. At St. Mary Heart and Vascular Center and Mercy Heart and Vascular, we put leading-edge technology to work while taking a multidimensional team approach that includes experts from interventional cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac surgery, and electrophysiology, as well as a dedicated team of nurses and skilled technicians. Treatments include:

  • MitraClip insertion
  • TAVR
  • Watchman device implantation

What are types of structural heart disease?

  • Congenital structural heart disease includes the larger and more complicated atrial septal defect (ASD), or a smaller hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Both of these deficits can lead stroke or heart failure.
  • Valve disease occurs when your heart’s valves do not work correctly, making your heart work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. A valve is either too narrow (stenosis) or unable to close completely, allowing the blood to leak backward across the valve. High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy and aging may severely affect the heart and valves.

What are the symptoms of structural heart disease?

Many patients do not exhibit symptoms in the early stages of structural heart disease, but signs can occur suddenly and increase in severity as the disease develops. Many of the symptoms are similar to those related to congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath even with limited activity and swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or abdomen.

Symptoms also may include:

  • Unusual heartbeat sound called a heart murmur.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • Dizziness or fainting (with aortic stenosis)
  • Fever (with endocarditis)
  • Rapid weight gain

Who is at risk for structural heart disease?

Older people especially those age 75 or older, are most at risk of developing valve disease, Also, people who have a history of endocarditis, rheumatic fever, heart attack or heart failure are more at risk. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical exercise and a family history of heart disease are other major risk factors.

How is structural heart disease treated?

Minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical procedures to repair valves and heart defects include TAVR, Mitral Clip placement and more. Experts from interventional cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, cardiac surgery, and electrophysiology may be part of your heart team.