Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves fail to function properly due to issues like calcification or leaking. This can cause the heart to produce a murmur as blood is forced through the damaged valve. Symptoms typically appear when the disease becomes severe and may include shortness of breath with minimal activity, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. If left untreated, heart valve disease can significantly impact quality of life and may become life-threatening.

Structural heart disease refers to abnormalities in the heart’s structure, which may be present from birth or develop over time. These conditions can progress slowly and may be asymptomatic at first, but often lead to challenges in daily living. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, and heart palpitations.

 

Comprehensive Care at St. Luke’s Structural Heart Program

At St. Luke’s, our Structural Heart Program brings together a multidisciplinary “Heart Team” of cardiology experts to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of structural heart conditions. These include aortic and mitral stenosis, pericardial disease, valvular heart disease, mitral regurgitation, and congenital heart disease.

We prioritize minimally invasive treatment options whenever appropriate, ensuring personalized care tailored to each patient’s condition. Our team includes interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists (such as interventional echocardiographers and cardiothoracic radiologists), and cardiovascular surgeons, all supported by highly trained procedural staff, nurses, and medical assistants.

This collaborative approach allows us to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care aimed at improving your health and enhancing your quality of life.