Structural Heart Disease

From birth defects to changes that come with age, structural heart disease can affect blood flow and how well the heart works. Taking care of your heart in a personalized way and acting quickly are essential for staying healthy.

What is Structural Heart Disease?

Structural heart disease refers to issues in the heart’s valves, walls, chambers, or blood vessels. These defects can be congenital, meaning they are present at birth, or they can develop over time. They may impact how blood flows through the heart.

Types of Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart disease includes several conditions, such as:

• Valvular heart disease (stenosis or regurgitation of heart valves)
• Septal defects (holes in the heart walls, such as atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect)
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• Aneurysms of the heart or major vessels
• Cardiomyopathies (disease of the heart muscle)
• Congenital heart defects (e.g., bicuspid aortic valve)

Causes of Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart disease may result from:

• Congenital abnormalities (present at birth)
• Aging-related changes
• Infections such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever
• High blood pressure or coronary artery disease
• Injury or trauma to the heart
• Genetic conditions

Symptoms

Depending on the severity and type, symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Dizziness or fainting
• Heart murmur (often detected during routine exams)

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis requires:

• Physical examination
• Echocardiogram (including transesophageal echo if needed)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan
• Cardiac catheterization in certain cases
• Genetic testing (for some congenital forms)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the structural issue and may include:

• Medications to manage symptoms (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers)
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter valve repair or closure of septal defects
• Surgical interventions include valve replacement or repair, aneurysm correction, or congenital defect correction
• Long-term monitoring and follow-up care

Lifestyle Management

Managing structural heart disease requires:

• Taking medications as prescribed  
• Going to regular follow-up visits and imaging tests  
• Following a heart-healthy diet  
• Participating in safe physical activity, as advised  
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol  
• Watching for worsening symptoms and seeking care early 

Conclusion

Structural heart disease can often be effectively managed or corrected, especially with early detection and improved treatment options. Ongoing monitoring and lifestyle changes are important for maintaining long-term heart health. 

At IVY Cardiovascular & Vein Center in Wellington, FL, Dr. Rishi Panchal offers top care for structural heart disease. This includes minimally invasive and surgical solutions that are tailored to each patient. 

Get expert evaluation and treatment today. Call 561-210-9495 or request an appointment online.