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Comprehensive care for heart valve and structural issues.

Heart valve and structural disorders affect the valves, chambers, walls, or major vessels of the heart. These conditions can change the way blood moves through the heart and may cause the heart to work harder over time, including cases involving structural heart disease in Palos Heights, Illinois.

Common problems include valve narrowing, valve leakage, congenital defects, chamber enlargement, and structural abnormalities. Some are present from birth, while others develop from aging, high blood pressure, infection, rheumatic disease, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy.

Heart and Vascular Specialists provides evaluation, echocardiographic monitoring, medication management, symptom assessment, and referral coordination for advanced valve or structural heart procedures when needed.

Symptoms patients may notice

  • Shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced exercise capacity
  • Chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting
  • Heart murmur, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
  • Leg swelling or fluid retention
  • Known abnormal Echocardiogram or prior congenital heart condition

How do we evaluate this condition

  • Physical exam and heart murmur evaluation
  • EKG and Echocardiogram as core tests
  • Stress testing, rhythm monitoring, cardiac CT/MRI, or transesophageal echo referral when appropriate
  • Referral coordination with valve or structural heart teams for severe disease

Treatment and care options

  • Medication management for symptoms, blood pressure, rhythm, or heart failure when appropriate
  • Serial echo monitoring to track progression
  • Coordination for surgical valve repair/replacement, TAVR, MitraClip/TEER, or other advanced procedures when indicated
  • Patient education about warning symptoms and follow-up timing

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms, or sudden severe weakness.

Schedule a heart valve evaluation.


doctor pointing to the right atrium on a anatomical model of a human

Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the body.

doctor pointing to the left ventricle on a anatomical model of a human

Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Disorders

The mitral and tricuspid valves help control blood flow between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.

woman holding an anatomical heart model

Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)

Refers to heart defects that were present at birth and continue to require attention in adulthood.

Individualized Planning for Structural Heart Conditions

Every structural heart condition presents unique characteristics that influence diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Factors such as overall health, symptom severity, age, and imaging findings contribute to personalized care planning. Treatment approaches may evolve as new clinical information becomes available during routine evaluations. Collaborative decision-making helps ensure that recommended options align with current medical needs and long-term goals. Personalized planning also promotes timely referrals whenever advanced structural heart procedures become appropriate. This patient-focused approach supports safe, effective, and coordinated cardiovascular care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which conditions fall under valvular or structural heart disease?
Valvular or structural heart disease includes problems affecting heart valves, chambers, walls, or congenital abnormalities that interfere with normal blood circulation and heart function.
How does an echocardiogram help evaluate valve disease?
An echocardiogram produces detailed images of heart structures, allowing healthcare providers to assess valve movement, blood flow, chamber size, and overall heart performance.
What symptoms may suggest worsening valve disease?
Symptoms may include increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, swelling in the legs, reduced exercise tolerance, or episodes of fainting.
Can medication manage structural heart disease?
Medication can help control symptoms, blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure, and support overall heart function, depending on the underlying condition.
Which advanced procedures treat severe valve disorders?
Advanced treatment options may include surgical valve repair, valve replacement, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), MitraClip/TEER, and other structural heart interventions.
How often should follow-up evaluations occur?
Follow-up schedules depend on the severity of the condition, symptom progression, imaging findings, and clinical recommendations for appropriate monitoring.
Which diagnostic tests may accompany an echocardiogram?
Additional testing may include an EKG, stress testing, rhythm monitoring, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, or transesophageal echocardiography when further evaluation is appropriate.

Connect With Our Specialists

Let our team help you navigate your cardiovascular health with confidence. Use our Contact Us page to request an appointment or ask about the services that best fit your needs.