Valvular Disease

What is valvular disease?

Valvular disease means one of the four valves in your heart isn’t working as it should. 

Heart valves separate each of the four chambers of your heart. They open and close with your heartbeat to assist in blood circulation through your heart and the rest of the body.

With valvular disease, your valve may not completely close, causing blood to leak (regurgitation). Or, your valve may be too stiff and not fully open, limiting the flow of blood (stenosis). 

Aortic stenosis is a common type of valvular disease that involves the aortic valve and the flow of blood through the rest of your body. 

Valvular disease also includes conditions in which the valve fails to form, creating a solid tissue block that prevents blood flow (atresia).

What are the symptoms of a valvular disease?

Valvular disease symptoms vary in type and severity. It’s not unusual for some people to have a valvular disease for years before developing symptoms.

With valvular disease, you may have:

• Abnormal heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Heart murmur
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or abdomen

You may be born with the valvular disease, or it may develop after an infection or an underlying health issue such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. 

Treatment for valvular disease depends on the severity of your condition and the risk of health complications. At Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, the team provides the comprehensive care you need.

What happens during a valvular disease consultation?

When you visit Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona for an evaluation of your valvular disease, you can expect a patient-focused and comprehensive exam.

Your cardiologist reviews your medical and family history, as well as your symptoms. They perform a physical exam and may run various tests to assess your heart health and function, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Holter monitoring
• Stress test
• Nuclear stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Lab work

They use the information from your exam and testing to determine the best treatment for your valvular disease. 

How is a valvular disease treated?

The team at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona develops individualized treatment plans for valvular. For many patients, they may only recommend routine monitoring. However, at some point, your cardiologist may suggest heart valve surgery to repair or replace your diseased valve. 

For severe aortic stenosis, the team performs transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an advanced minimally invasive technique that replaces the damaged valve. 

To schedule a consultation with the experts at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.