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Structural heart disease affects the physical structure of your heart, most commonly the heart valves that control blood flow through the heart’s chambers. These conditions can develop over time due to aging, infection or other factors, or you may be born with them. (When you are born with a heart condition, it is known as congenital heart disease).
Your heart has four valves that act like one-way doors, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. When these valves don’t work as they should, they can:
Structural heart disease primarily affects adults over 60, though congenital forms can affect people of all ages. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and other serious complications. The good news is that today’s treatments, including minimally invasive procedures, offer excellent outcomes for most patients.
Symptoms of structural heart disease can develop gradually and may include:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, extreme shortness of breath, fainting or sudden onset of symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any persistent symptoms listed above, even if they seem mild. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Structural heart disease can result from various causes:
The most common cause of structural heart issues is wear and tear over time. As you age, calcium deposits can accumulate on heart valves, making them stiff and narrow (calcific aortic stenosis).
Some people are born with abnormally formed heart valves or other structural abnormalities that may require treatment in childhood, adulthood or both.
A complication of untreated strep throat, rheumatic fever can damage heart valves, though this is now rare in developed countries.
Endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, can damage heart valves.
Heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy and connective tissue disorders can weaken or damage heart valves over time.
Transplanted heart valves from previous surgeries can deteriorate over time, requiring intervention.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Echocardiogram (echo)
An ultrasound of your heart shows how your heart valves are functioning, measures blood flow and assesses heart chamber size and function. This is often the primary test for diagnosing structural heart disease.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A specialized echo performed through the esophagus provides detailed images of heart valves and structures. It is used for complex cases or before certain procedures.
Cardiac Catheterization
A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel to measure pressures in your heart and assess valve function. Dye may be injected to visualize blood flow.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
This test records your heart’s electrical activity to detect irregular rhythms that may be caused by structural heart disease.
Chest X-ray
X-ray imaging shows the size and shape of your heart and can reveal fluid buildup in your lungs.
CT scan or MRI
Advanced imaging techniques provide detailed, 3D views of your heart structure, helping plan procedures and assess complex cases.
Exercise Stress Test
Evaluating how your heart functions during physical activity can reveal symptoms or issues not apparent at rest.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your condition. Not all structural heart disease requires immediate treatment — some cases can be monitored over time. When treatment is needed, options include:
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Our specialists are leaders in advanced, catheter-based procedures that repair or replace heart valves without open heart surgery:
While minimally invasive options continue to expand, some conditions still require traditional cardiac surgery:
Surgical techniques to repair your own valve, preserving its natural structure when possible.
The diseased valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical valve (made of durable materials) or a bioprosthetic valve (made from animal tissue).
Medications
While medications cannot cure structural heart disease, they can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as part of your treatment plan:
Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing structural heart disease:
Without proper treatment, structural heart disease can lead to serious complications. These include:
Heart Failure
When your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, it leads to fatigue, shortness of breath and fluid retention.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms, particularly atrial fibrillation, increase stroke risk.
Blood Clots and Stroke
Abnormal blood flow through damaged valves can lead to clot formation, potentially causing stroke if clots travel to the brain.
Endocarditis
Infection of the heart’s inner lining can further damage heart valves.
Sudden Cardiac Death
In severe untreated cases, particularly with aortic stenosis, there is increased risk of sudden cardiac events.
Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) in the lungs results from backup of blood due to valve problems.
Prevention
While you can’t prevent all causes of structural heart disease, especially age-related changes or congenital conditions, you can reduce your risk.
If you’ve been diagnosed with structural heart disease, following these guidelines can help you stay healthy:
Attend All Follow-up Appointments
Regular monitoring with your cardiologist is crucial. You’ll need periodic echocardiograms and other tests to track any changes in your condition.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Never stop or change medications without consulting your doctor. Set reminders if needed to ensure you consistently take the medicine.
Know Your Symptoms
Be alert to changes in your symptoms or new symptoms developing. Report these to your care team promptly.
Carry Medical Information
Keep a note handy that includes your diagnosis, medications and emergency contacts. Wear a medical alert bracelet if recommended.
Stay Physically Active
Work with your care team to determine appropriate exercise levels. Many patients with structural heart disease can maintain active lifestyles with proper guidance.
Watch your Sodium Intake
Limit sodium to reduce fluid retention. Read food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt.
Monitor Your Weight
Weigh yourself daily at the same time. Sudden weight gain (2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week) can indicate fluid retention — contact your doctor.
Pace Yourself
Break activities into smaller tasks. Rest when needed. Don’t push yourself to the point of severe shortness of breath or chest discomfort.
Stay Informed
Learn about your specific condition and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask your care team questions.
Support and Resources
Living with structural heart disease can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers comprehensive support services to help you and your family throughout your journey.
Our patient support services include cardiac rehabilitation programs, nutritional counseling, support groups for heart patients and their families, and educational resources to help you understand and manage your condition.
Explore Patient Support Services
If you’re experiencing symptoms of structural heart disease or have been referred for evaluation, our team is here to help. The Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program brings together leading specialists in the region to provide you with expertise, personalized treatment plans and compassionate care.
Early evaluation is important — many patients benefit from monitoring their condition before treatment becomes necessary, while others may need timely intervention to prevent complications.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers advanced care at all of our adult-service hospitals to save hearts and lives.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers patient resources to support you and your family, including free classes for people of all ages who want to improve cardiovascular health or are living with a heart condition.