With aging, the risk of structural heart disease increases. More than 10% of elderly people above 75 years can have a higher risk of structural heart disease.
Any issue with the structure of your heart is referred to as structural heart disease. It denotes an anomaly in the structure or function of your heart's valves, walls, chambers, or muscles. Structured heart disease can be congenitally present at birth or age-related. The common types of structural heart abnormalities include:
Valvular heart disease
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital heart anomalies
The oxygen and nutrients the human body needs to survive and thrive are acquired through blood. In addition, blood removes cellular waste products. But in most structural heart diseases, your heart finds it difficult to pump blood to the rest of your body.
This insufficient blood supply can lead to organ and tissue damage. In addition, if structural heart disease is not treated, it may eventually cause other health issues. This is where the role of structural heart interventions comes into action.
Structural heart interventions are medical procedures designed to treat various heart conditions. This includes repairing or replacing damaged or malfunctioning structures within the heart without needing open-heart surgery.
Fortunately, Aster Hospitals provide complete treatment for all forms of structural heart under one roof. The highly skilled clinical staff and doctor team of the cardiology department ensure you receive the finest care possible. The experienced team of doctors at the Aster cardiology department has successfully treated several structural heart disorders, like atrial septal defects (ASDs), patent foramen ovale (PFO), aortic valve stenosis, mitral valve regurgitation, and many more.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What kind of structural heart disease is more prevalent?
Most typical forms of structural heart disease include:
Aortic valve conditions
Congenital heart disorders like ventricular and atrial septal defects
Heart muscle hypertrophy
Can atrial septal defects (ASDs) be repaired using structural interventions?
Yes. ASDs can be closed using devices inserted through catheters, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.
In whom structural heart interventions are performed?
Structural heart interventions are performed in those who:
- Have structural abnormalities
- Are at high risk for cardiac surgery
- Prefer minimally invasive procedures
How to prepare for a structural heart intervention?
Your surgeon and their team provide the instructions for preparing for structural heart intervention. It can include fasting before the procedure. Follow all the advice on medications and other preparations given by your doctor.
Can structural heart interventions be repeated?
In some cases, yes. However, the decision would depend on the specific circumstances and the patient's health.
How do doctors perform structural heart interventions?
Most structural heart interventions are minimally invasive procedures. These involve accessing the heart through small incisions or catheters inserted through blood vessels.
Are there risks associated with structural heart interventions?
Like most cardiac medical procedures, there are few risks involved in structural heart interventions. However, these interventions generally have a lower risk profile than open-heart surgery. You can discuss in detail regarding the risks with your healthcare provider.
What is recovery like after a structural heart intervention?
Recovery times after structural heart interventions vary. However, compared to open heart surgeries, these have:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker return to routine activities
- Fewer chances of complications
Is general anesthesia used for all structural heart interventions?
Yes, in certain procedures. Some interventions can be performed under conscious sedation, while others may require general anesthesia.
Can structural heart problems reoccur after surgery?
Yes, in some cases, structural heart problems can reoccur after they have been corrected through interventions. The likelihood of recurrence depends on factors such as:
Type of specific heart condition
Type of intervention performed
Patient's overall health
Underlying contributing factors
