Structural heart disease refers to conditions that affect the valves, walls and muscles of the heart. These conditions may be congenital, meaning present at birth, or acquired, meaning they develop over time. In either case, they can affect how blood moves through the heart and how effectively the heart pumps blood through the body. Common types of structural heart disease include heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease.
Some of the most common structural heart conditions we treat include:
- Aortic valve disease, including aortic stenosis
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Mitral valve disease, including mitral regurgitation
- Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
Structural heart disease diagnosis and treatment
When you come to Aurora Denver Cardiology Associates for care, our team creates an accurate diagnosis through a careful physical assessment, detailed health history, appropriate imaging and other relevant testing. Once we determine the cause of your symptoms and the severity of your condition, we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, always considering nonsurgical options first when possible.
Nonsurgical treatment options may include antibiotic treatment or long-term antibiotic therapy, blood thinners or other clot-prevention medications. Whenever appropriate, we prioritize nonsurgical and minimally invasive approaches to help reduce recovery time and support the best possible outcome.
Advanced structural heart treatments
Some structural heart conditions require a more advanced procedure or surgery. Our team of physicians and support staff is experienced in providing the latest treatment options to help relieve symptoms, improve heart function and support long-term heart health.
Some of the procedures we offer include:
- Atrial fibrillation implant — helps reduce the risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure — may be performed through cardiac catheterization or open heart surgery, depending on the size of the defect
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (Lariat procedure) — closes off the small sac in the wall of the left atrium to help reduce stroke risk
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure — places a device to close the opening in the heart
- Surgical aortic valve replacement — open heart surgery to replace a diseased aortic valve
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement — a catheter-based approach to aortic valve replacement
- Transcatheter mitral valve replacement — a catheter-based approach used to repair or replace the mitral valve
Our team is experienced in treating many structural heart conditions using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures are performed through several small incisions instead of one large incision, which can reduce blood loss, lower the risk of complications, shorten hospital stays and support faster recovery with less scarring. Because these techniques are not right for every patient, it is important to talk with your doctor about your specific condition and overall health needs.
At Aurora Denver Cardiology Associates, we believe lasting heart health matters. Our team is here to connect you with expert care and help you move forward with confidence. Call now: (303) 750-0822