Overview
Structural heart disease is a term that refers to diseases affecting the valves and chambers of the heart.
The heart is formed of two pumps. Each pump consists of two chambers (atria and ventricles), separated by valves.
The right heart pushes blood through the lungs via the pulmonary artery and the left pushes blood round the body via the aorta.
Both the aorta and pulmonary artery each have their own valve as well. You may be born with a structural abnormality or develop a problem over time.
Valves can become stiffened and restrict the flow of blood through them or can fail to close properly causing blood to leak back through them.
Abnormal communication or holes between the chambers of the heart can lead to strain on different chambers.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of structural heart disease are:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- feeling faint
- loss of consciousness (syncope)
- stroke
Not everyone has the same symptoms. Some people may not have any symptoms at all before structural heart disease is diagnosed.
Causes
Structural heart disease can be congenital (something you are born with) or can develop over time.
Other cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or heart artery disease can lead to structural abnormalities.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects you have structural heart disease, they may arrange for further assessment. These tests include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- echocardiogram
- chest x-ray
- CT or MRI scan
Treatment
For treatment options, please see:
- adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)
- aortic valve disease
- atrial septal defect (ASD)
- mitral valve disease
- patent foramen ovale (PFO)