From Fatigue to Shortness of Breath
Structural heart disease refers to abnormalities in the heart’s valves, chambers, walls or major vessels that disrupt normal blood flow and cardiac function. These conditions may be present at birth or develop over time due to aging, infection or chronic health conditions. Because symptoms can be subtle or easily mistaken for less serious issues, structural heart disease often goes undetected until complications arise. Understanding its causes, manifestations and early warning signs is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Structural heart disease can cause different symptoms. Some people may not notice anything, while others can feel very unwell. Here are some signs to look out for.
- Shortness of breath. You may feel like it's hard to breathe, even when you're resting or doing light activities.
- Chest pain. Some people feel pain or pressure in their chest.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet. This is caused by fluid buildup in the body.
- Fatigue. Feeling very tired, even if you haven't done much, is a common symptom.
- Irregular heartbeat. You might feel your heart beating too fast, too slow or unevenly.
- Dizziness or fainting. Some people feel lightheaded or may even pass out.
- Bluish skin or lips. This happens when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to poor blood flow.
What is Structural Heart Disease?
Structural heart disease happens when there is a problem with the parts of the heart that help it work, like the valves, walls or blood vessels. These problems can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to aging, infections or other health conditions.
Some common types of structural heart disease include:
- Valve problems. The heart has four valves that help control the flow of blood. If one of these valves is damaged, blood may not flow the way it should.
- Septal defects. The septum is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart. Sometimes, there’s a hole in this wall, which can cause blood to mix between the two sides.
- Aneurysms. An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel. If it happens in the heart, it can weaken the vessel and cause serious problems.
Treatment Options for Structural Heart Disease
There are several treatment options for structural heart disease. The best option depends on the type of problem, how severe it is and your overall health.
1. Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to help control symptoms and improve heart function. These could include:
- Blood pressure medications. To lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart.
- Blood thinners. To prevent blood clots from forming.
- Diuretics. To remove excess fluid from the body, helping reduce swelling.
2. Heart Procedures
For more serious cases, doctors may recommend a procedure to fix the problem. These can include:
- Valve repair or replacement. Damaged heart valves can be repaired or replaced with an artificial valve.
- Septal defect repair. Surgeons can close holes in the septum to stop blood from mixing between the heart’s chambers.
- Stent placement. A stent is a small tube that can be placed in a blood vessel to keep it open and improve blood flow.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can also help manage structural heart disease. These changes may include:
- Eating a healthy diet. Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercising regularly. Talk to your doctor about safe exercises to keep your heart healthy.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking makes heart disease worse, so quitting can improve your health.
4. Heart Surgery
In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. This could involve more complex repairs or even a heart transplant if the heart is too damaged to be repaired.
Heart Check
Structural heart disease affects the parts of the heart that help it work properly. It can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue. There are treatments available, including medications, procedures and lifestyle changes, to help manage the condition and improve your quality of life. If you have symptoms or think you may have heart problems, it’s important to see a doctor for proper care.
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The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet or treatment plan.