Structural heart disease – an overview

Structural heart disease is a term used to describe problems with the heart’s structure, most commonly its valves. The defects in the heart could be congenital (present at the time of birth) or may be developed in adulthood. As a result of aging, injury, and infections.

Structural diseases need to be treated as the soonest. If left untreated they may result in various life-threatening heart complications that may lead to irrecoverable damage. Dr. Asit Khanna is the best interventional cardiologist in Ghaziabad. He has performed many catheter-based procedures and is a highly skilled cardiologist for the treatment of heart problems.

Statistically, more than 10% of adults over the age of 65 have some structural heart disease, it could be a defect in the heart’s valves, walls, or chambers.

The most common type of structural heart disease is:

• Aortic valve stenosis: When the heart’s aortic valve narrows, aortic stenosis occurs. The heart’s valve doesn’t fully open thereby blocking blood flow to the main artery and the rest of the body.

  The most common cause of aortic stenosis is an accumulation of calcium deposits, that increases with age. Severe aortic stenosis can be very dangerous.

  The treatment of aortic stenosis requires open-heart surgery to replace the damaged valve.

  Dr. Asit Khanna is highly skilled at performing open-heart surgery.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it hard for the heart to pump blood. With proper treatment, damage can be slowed and the symptoms can be lessened.
• Atrial septal defect: It is the most common type of congenital heart defect. It is characterized by the presence of a hole in the heart, in between the upper chambers. Open-heart surgery is the best treatment for atrial septal defects.
• Mitral valve prolapses: It can be developed at any age. It affects the left chambers of the heart. It could be genetic and is linked to infections of the connective tissue. Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, and shortness of breath are common symptoms.
• Myocarditis: The heart muscle is inflamed and the inflammation leads to reduced ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. It can cause arrhythmias. Sometimes viral infections also cause myocarditis. Symptoms include tightness and squeezing pain in the chest.

The tests to confirm structural heart defects include MRI, ECG, or a chest X-ray.