Structural heart disease

Structural heart disease refers to a problem with the heart's valves, chambers or walls that changes how blood flows through the heart. These conditions can be present at birth or develop later in life. With an accurate structural heart disease diagnosis and the right care team, most people can manage their condition and protect their long-term heart health.

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A medical illustration detailing a heart and the flow of blood in each ventricle.

Anatomy of the heart

Your heart is made up of four chambers, four valves and the walls that separate and support them. The chambers pump blood, the valves keep blood flowing in the right direction and the walls hold everything in its proper place.

When one of these structures doesn't form correctly or becomes damaged over time, it can affect how well the heart moves blood to the rest of the body. Structural heart defects can involve a valve that doesn't open or close properly, a hole between chambers or a leak where a valve meets surrounding tissue.

Overview

Symptoms

Structural heart disease can cause a range of symptoms depending on which part of the heart is affected. Common signs include:

Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Fatigue or low energy
Chest discomfort or pressure
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Some people have no noticeable symptoms at first, and signs can become more apparent as the condition progresses.

Causes

Structural heart disease can develop for different reasons depending on when it starts. Common causes include:

Congenital heart defects present at birth, such as a hole between heart chambers
Age-related wear and calcium buildup on heart valves
Infections that damage heart valves
Complications following a prior valve replacement or heart surgery
Changes in heart tissue due to other heart conditions

In some cases, the exact cause of a structural change isn't fully known.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing structural heart disease, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop this condition:

Being born with a congenital heart defect
Increasing age
A history of heart valve infection
Previous heart surgery or valve replacement
Other underlying heart or vascular conditions

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team make informed decisions about monitoring and treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing structural heart disease typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. Your cardiologist may also use imaging and other tests to evaluate your heart’s structure and function. Common tests include:

Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s chambers and valves
Electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the heart’s electrical activity
Cardiac catheterization, which allows your care team to view blood flow and pressure within the heart
CT or MRI scans, which provide detailed images of the heart’s structures

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We offer treatments for a wide range of heart and vascular conditions, including medicines, minimally invasive procedures and surgery, based on your needs.

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