Structural Heart & Valve Disease Care
Your heart’s structure is made up of valves, a wall and chambers. If a health condition affects any of these tissues, you need a structural heart specialist—like the cardiologists at the Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. . Our experts provide high-tech testing, advanced treatment options and customized recovery support. You can trust us for high-quality care because we’re nationally recognized for helping people like you achieve excellent outcomes and improve their quality of life.
What Are Structural Heart Conditions?
"Structural heart" refers to illnesses that don’t affect the heart’s arteries. Learn about the care available for these conditions at the Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.
Valve Problems
Valve disease is the most common structural heart issue. Valves control blood flow through your heart and keep it going in the right direction. Each of your four valves has flaps (leaflets) that open and close every time your heart beats. As you age, the valves can stiffen or fail to open and close all the way. That means your heart must work harder, and your body may not get all the oxygen-rich blood it needs.
Whenever possible, cardiologists with Adventist HealthCare repair or replace valves with nonsurgical, minimally invasive techniques. These treatments require only a short recovery period, so they’re easier to fit into your daily life.
Valve Care
Holes in the Heart
A structural heart specialist can close a hole you’re born with in the wall of your heart. Depending on the type and location of the opening, your condition may be called:
The expert cardiologists with Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute and at White Oak Medical Center use the latest, least invasive approaches to fix the hole. That means treatment is available even if you don’t qualify for surgery due to your overall health. You’ll experience a faster, easier recovery and may spend as little as one night in the hospital.
Thickened Heart Tissue
Unusual genes can cause your heart’s wall (septum) to grow too thick—a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This often reduces blood flow into and out of your heart, making you tire easily during physical activity. A structural heart specialist may recommend a nonsurgical procedure called alcohol septal ablation. This treatment injects a tiny amount of alcohol into the heart to shrink the thick tissue, letting blood flow more freely and reducing your symptoms.
Alcohol Septal Ablation
Structural Heart Team
Your care may start with a nurse practitioner or general cardiologist after you’ve seen your primary care provider. This provider might order imaging exams or other heart tests to find the reason for your symptoms. If your provider recommends treatment, you may make an appointment with a specialist in:
All your team members work closely together to make sure you get seamless, well- rounded care before, during and after treatment. That includes home health services and cardiac rehabilitation, if needed. Partner with us throughout your journey to long-term heart health.
