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The most common forms of structural heart disease seen in adults in the United States are disorders of the aortic and mitral valves. Less commonly treated structural heart disorders include Patent Foramen Ovale is and atrial septal defects.
Let’s review the forms of structural disease in more detail.
One of the most prevalent structural heart issues you might encounter is valvular heart disease. This condition affects the heart’s valves, which are responsible for controlling blood flow through your heart. The aortic and mitral valves are most commonly affected. You may develop valve stenosis, where the valve opening narrows, or regurgitation, where the valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue, it’s crucial to consult our Atlanta heart doctors for an evaluation.
Another common structural heart condition in adults is atrial septal defect (ASD). This is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) that didn’t close properly during development. While some people with ASD may not experience symptoms for years, others might notice fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Our Atlanta cardiologists can diagnose this condition and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include minimally invasive procedures.
As you get older, you may also be at risk for aortic aneurysms, particularly in the ascending aorta. This condition involves a weakening and bulging of the aorta wall, which can lead to serious complications if not treated. Regular check-ups with our Atlanta heart specialists can help detect and monitor this condition before it becomes critical.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is another structural heart disease that affects many adults. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting spells, especially during physical activity. Our Atlanta heart doctors have extensive experience diagnosing and managing this complex condition.
Lastly, as you age, you may develop coronary artery disease, which, while primarily affecting the heart’s blood supply, can lead to structural changes in the heart muscle over time. This condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart attacks. Regular heart health check-ups with our Atlanta cardiologists are essential for the early detection and management of this common heart condition.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your heart, don’t hesitate to contact our heart doctors in Atlanta. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a wealth of experience in treating structural heart conditions, they can provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.