Structural Heart Disease – An Overview
Structural heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the structure of the heart, including its valves, walls, chambers, and muscles. Unlike coronary artery disease, which affects the blood vessels supplying the heart, structural heart diseases involve the heart’s anatomy itself. Thanks to advances in cardiology, early diagnosis and effective treatments are now available, allowing patients to lead healthier and longer lives.
At Dr. Vineet Bansal’s Clinic in Meerut, we offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of structural heart diseases, using both medical and minimally invasive approaches.
Common Types of Structural Heart Disease
Structural heart diseases can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Some of the most common conditions include:
- ✔ HHeart Valve Disease: The heart valves control blood flow through the heart. Conditions such as aortic stenosis, mitral valve regurgitation, or mitral valve prolapse can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
- ✔ EAtrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): These are holes in the walls (septa) that separate the heart’s chambers. Small defects may not cause symptoms, but larger ones can lead to heart failure if untreated.
- ✔ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: NA thickening of the heart muscle that can interfere with normal blood flow and lead to sudden cardiac events.
- ✔ Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A small, flap-like opening between the right and left atria that didn’t close after birth, which may increase the risk of stroke in some individuals.
- ✔ Aneurysms: Enlargement or bulging of a part of the heart wall or the aorta can also be classified under structural heart problems.
Symptoms of Structural Heart Disease
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common signs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- Fatigue, especially during physical activity
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Lightheadedness or fainting spells
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation promptly. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
At Dr. Vineet Bansal’s Clinic, diagnosis of structural heart diseases typically involves:
- ✔ Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
- ✔ Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- ✔ Cardiac MRI or CT scan
- ✔ Stress Testing
- ✔ Cardiac Catheterization (in certain cases)
These advanced imaging techniques allow for a detailed understanding of the heart’s structure and function, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Treatment Options
The treatment of structural heart disease depends on the specific diagnosis, severity, and the patient’s overall health. Some conditions can be managed with medications to control symptoms and prevent complications. However, many structural problems may require procedures such as:
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
- Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement
- Septal Defect Closure (ASD/VSD closure)
- Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)
- Surgical interventions for aneurysms or congenital defects
At Dr. Vineet Bansal’s practice in Meerut, we emphasize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, leading to quicker recovery times, less discomfort, and reduced hospital stays for our patients.
Why Choose Dr. Vineet Bansal?
As a leading Cardiologist in Meerut, Dr. Vineet Bansal is dedicated to providing the highest level of cardiac care. With years of expertise in diagnosing and managing complex structural heart diseases, he combines compassionate patient care with the latest technological advancements in cardiology. Whether you need a routine checkup or advanced heart treatment, you can trust Dr. Bansal to guide you every step of the way.
📍📍 If you or your loved ones are facing symptoms of structural heart disease, don't delay seeking expert help. Book an appointment with Dr. Vineet Bansal today and take the first step towards a healthier heart.