Palm Beach Cardiologists Explain Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart disease refers to a number of cardiovascular conditions that are

different but related, because they are all the result of a similar problem
interruption of the natural flow of blood through the internal chambers and valves
of the heart. Most structural heart disease is congenital in nature due to birth
defects although it can occasionally develop later in life.
What are the most common types of structural heart disease?

Atrial septal defect (ASD) a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the
hearts two upper chambers.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) similar to an ASD, a flap-like hole in the wall
that separates the heart's upper chambers.

Coarctation of the aorta (aortic narrowing) a narrowing of the blood vessel

in the upper chest that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy thickening of the heart walls.

Mitral regurgitation weakening or stretching of the valve between the hearts

upper and lower left chambers that prevents it from closing properly.

Valvular heart disease congenital damage or defect affecting all four valves
of the heart.

Pericardial disease abnormalities in the tissue and fluid sac that surrounds
the heart

Ventricular septal defect a hole between the hearts two lower chambers

How is structural heart disease diagnosed and treated?

According to Vein Treatment Palm Beach, some of these conditions produce no

symptoms, while others produce symptoms so severe it can become impossible
to lead a normal life. ASDs can cause heart palpitations, stroke, and exercise
intolerance. PFOs can cause TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) and migraine
headaches. Aortic narrowing can cause stroke, premature coronary artery
disease, leg cramping, and high blood pressure in the arms and head, while BP
remains low elsewhere in the body. Additional symptoms can include shortness
of breath, dizziness, and chest tightness.
Diagnosis of structural heart disease is usually achieved via standard tests
performed by your Delray Beach cardiologist during an examination. These tests
can include chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, coronary
catheterization, cardiac stress tests, and either computed tomography (CT) or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Treatment can include surgery and
minimally-invasive interventions to correct the defects.
What can I do to find out if I have
structural heart disease?
Whether you have experienced any of
the symptoms mentioned above or not,
the best way to be sure is to contact
some of the top cardiologists in Palm
Beach at 561-515-0080 to schedule a
checkup. The expert doctors at South
Palm Cardiovascular Associates can
then detect these conditions if they already exist. They can also identify risk
factors for these conditions and reduce them before they cause problems that
must be corrected using more drastic measures. Your SPCVA heart doctors in
Palm Beach will work with you to prescribe diet and exercise programs to reduce
your risk of all heart conditions.
South Palm Cardio Vascular
709 South Federal Highway,
Suite 3 Boynton Beach, FL 33435
http://www.southpalmcardiovascular.com/