Structural Heart Disease

What is structural heart disease?

Structural heart disease refers to heart conditions that affect the normal structure or function of your heart. This type of heart disease may be present at birth or develop from the general wear and tear placed on your heart over time.

What are the types of structural heart disease?

There are many types of structural heart disease. The most common types treated at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona include:

Valvular disease

Valvular disease includes disorders that affect the structure or function of the valves in your heart. The valves may not completely close, allowing blood to leak, or they may stiffen and fail to open completely. 

Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a serious valvular disease that limits blood flow to your aortic artery, the main artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to your entire body. 

Atrial septal defect

An atrial septal defect is a hole in the heart. It’s a congenital condition that may improve or worsen over time. 

What happens at an evaluation for structural heart disease?

When you visit Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona for a structural heart disease consultation, you can expect a comprehensive patient-focused evaluation.

The team takes a preventive approach to care and conducts a thorough clinical exam to fully understand the structural problem and its effect on your heart and health. 

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history during your evaluation and performs a physical. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis and assess heart health and function, the team may run various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Electrocardiogram
• Stress test
• Nuclear stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Holter monitoring
• Nuclear stress testing
• Chest X-ray
• Blood work

Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona performs most of these tests in-office. 

How is structural heart disease treated?

Treatment for structural heart disease depends on the type of heart disease, the severity of your symptoms, and its effects on your heart.

When possible, the team takes a conservative approach to care. They recommend lifestyle changes to improve heart health and prevent more serious heart problems. 

However, if your structural heart disease is severe, they may recommend surgery to correct the problem. Some of the surgical procedures include:

• Watchman® for atrial fibrillation
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis
• Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation
• Open heart surgery to repair or replace the defect

In some cases, the cardiologists may recommend a heart transplant.

For comprehensive care for your structural heart disease, call Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona or book an appointment online today.