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:
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:
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.
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.