Understanding heart valve disease

Heart valve disease is a condition where one or more of the four valves in the heart don't work properly. This can affect how blood flows throughout the body. When valves don't function correctly, it can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue, and, over time, may result in complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. The collaborative team at Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute provides advanced care and personalized treatment to help you manage heart valve disease and live your best life.

Provider speaking to patient
Symptoms of heart valve disease

Recognizing symptoms early allows our team to provide more effective interventions. Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing during activity or when lying flat, often linked to issues with the pulmonary valve or left atrium
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired even with minimal exertion
  • Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, often felt during physical activity
  • Heart palpitations: A racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat that can feel alarming
  • Swelling: Fluid buildup in the legs, ankles or abdomen, often a sign of heart strain

Our dedicated heart hospitals use the latest wearable AI technology and state-of-the-art labs to ensure precise detection and early intervention, helping to prevent the progression of valve disease.

Diagnosing heart valve disease

Diagnosing heart valve disease starts with understanding your heart’s unique needs. At Endeavor Health, we use advanced diagnostic tools to provide a clear picture of your heart health:

  • Echocardiograms: Simple ultrasound imaging to visualize valve function and assess blood flow
  • Cardiac catheterization: A specialized procedure used to gather detailed information about heart valve function, including the pulmonary artery and left atrium
  • CT scans and MRIs: High-resolution imaging to help identify issues with valve structure and pinpoint the right treatment approach

Our compassionate team provides accurate, patient-centered diagnoses, and our dedicated heart hospitals offer integrated care with access to advanced imaging and personalized risk assessments.

Treatment for heart valve disease

For many patients, medication management is the first step. Medications can ease symptoms, manage blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. For those needing further intervention, we offer several minimally invasive procedures, including:

  • Balloon valvuloplasty is a nonsurgical procedure that stretches the opening of the valve by inserting a balloon through a special catheter, improving blood flow without major surgery.
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) allows for the implantation of a valve within the existing valve through a catheter placed in the leg. When the aortic valve is replaced, this is called TAVR or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The other valve of the heart can be replaced with catheters as well (examples include TMVR, transcatheter mitral valve replacement and TTVR, transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement). Each of these procedures provide effective results with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

Learn more about your treatment options

3 surgeons performing TAVR procedure

TAVR, an innovative alternative to open-heart surgery

TAVR offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with aortic stenosis who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. At Endeavor Health, we are proud to be pioneers in the development and use of TAVR, providing patients with an effective, less invasive option to replace malfunctioning heart valves.

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Frequently asked questions

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations and swelling. It’s important to consult a specialist if you experience any of these symptoms, as early treatment can improve your quality of life.

Heart valve disease is diagnosed through imaging tests such as echocardiograms, CT scans or cardiac catheterization. These tests help us understand your heart's condition and create an effective treatment plan.

Heart valve disease includes conditions such as aortic stenosis, mitral valve prolapse and valve regurgitation, where a valve doesn’t open or close properly, affecting blood flow.

Yes, some types of heart valve disease can be managed with medications or minimally invasive procedures like TAVR, allowing you to avoid open-heart surgery.

TAVR is typically recommended for patients with aortic stenosis who are considered high risk for traditional open-heart surgery. Our specialists will evaluate your condition to determine if this approach is right for you.

Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are key to managing heart valve disease effectively. Our team provides medication management, lifestyle support and preventive care to help you stay healthy.

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Take control of your heart health today. Schedule an appointment with our specialized cardiovascular team to discuss your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options. We’re here to help you improve your quality of life and engage in the activities you love.

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At Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute, your heart health is our mission. With advanced technologies, compassionate care and a dedicated team of specialists, we’re here to help you on every step of your heart health journey.

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