Structural heart disease
Overview
Valvular structural heart disease occurs one or more of your heart's four valves do not function properly, disrupting normal blood flow.
At SIU Medicine, our structural heart disease specialists provide comprehensive care using the latest in diagnostic technology, medical management, and minimally invasive catheter-based procedures.
Our Structural Heart Clinic brings together a team of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialized nurses to provide a thorough consultation for patients and their families. For each condition we offer treatment by minimally invasive devices or open-heart surgery, if deemed more appropriate.
Types of Valvular Disease
Regurgitation: Occurs when valve flaps don't close properly, causing blood to leak backward. This may happen in any valve, particularly mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation.
Stenosis: Occurs when valve flaps become thick or stiff, restricting blood flow. Common types include aortic stenosis and mitral stenosis.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of structural heart disease may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart murmur (abnormal sound)
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
Signs of structural heart disease may include:
- Heart murmur detected during clinical examination
- Hospital admission for syncope, chest pain or heart failure
