“Structural heart disease” is an umbrella term that refers to conditions that affect different structures within the heart. Some of these problems can be present at birth, while others develop later in life.
Structural heart disease can affect the chambers, valves, walls, and muscle of the heart. These conditions affect the way the heart functions and can limit its ability to circulate blood around the body.
The severity of structural heart diseases can vary. Some people may experience no symptoms, while others may experience serious complications.
This article discusses examples of structural heart disease as well as details, including symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.
Structural heart disease refers to conditions that affect the structures of the heart or the major blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.
This includes holes or structural abnormalities that affect the function of the heart and
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural heart problems that are present from birth. CHDs affect
Adults can also develop structural heart disease due to a range of factors, such as high blood pressure or experiencing a heart attack.
Vs. nonstructural heart disease
Nonstructural heart disease affects the function of the heart without affecting its structure. This can include conditions that affect the rhythm of the heartbeat, such as arrhythmias, and conditions that damage the heart or otherwise affect its ability to circulate blood.
There are many types of structural heart disease that affect the heart in different ways. Some examples include:
- Aortic valve disease: This affects the valve that allows blood to move from the main ventricle of the heart into the aorta, the blood vessel that carries blood away to the rest of the body. Aortic valve disease can cause narrowing or stiffness (stenosis), so the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. In other cases, the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to enter back into the heart.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy: This is when the wall of the left ventricle thickens due to another underlying cause. It can make it difficult for the heart to circulate oxygenated blood, leading to a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.
- Atrial septal defect (ASD): This occurs when there is a hole in the septum that separates the heart’s atria, or upper chambers. This can lead to the heart circulating unoxygenated blood to the lungs and other parts of the body. ASD occurs in
25% of babies that are born but does not always cause symptoms and may resolve without treatment. - Mitral valve disease: In this condition, the valve between the left chambers of the heart doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. If the leak is substantial, not enough blood will reach the rest of the heart or body.
The symptoms of structural heart disease will depend on the specific condition. Some people may not have any symptoms at all.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- high blood pressure
- shortness of breath
- swollen hands, feet, ankles, or abdomen
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
- feeling faint or passing out
- a blue color to the skin, particularly around the lips or fingernails
Structural heart disease has many possible causes. For example, CHDs (structural heart defects present from birth) can occur as a result of:
- taking certain medications during pregnancy, such as ACE inhibitors or retinoids
- exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy
- having diabetes before or in the first 3 months of pregnancy
- having certain illnesses during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles)
- genetics
Often, though, doctors do not know the cause of CHDs.
Other types of structural heart disease can result from environmental factors or other underlying conditions, such as:
- high blood pressure
- infections
- damage from a previous heart attack
- aging
- plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
If a doctor suspects an individual may have structural heart disease, they may need to run several tests in order to make a diagnosis. These tests may include:
- echocardiogram
- MRI
- chest x-ray
- ECG
- cardiac catheterization
- pulse oximetry test
Diagnosing CHD
In some cases, a healthcare professional may suspect CHD after a routine ultrasound during pregnancy. In this case, they may perform a special ultrasound known as fetal echocardiography. This can help to determine if a fetus has a heart defect and assess the function of the heart.
A person may also have a fetal echocardiography if they have a family history of CHD.
Treatment for structural heart disease depends on the type of defect a person has, as well as other factors, such as their age and general health.
Some people may not need immediate treatment for their condition. In this case, a doctor may recommend regular monitoring instead.
In other cases, treatments may include:
- medications
- cardiac catheterization
- cardiac devices, such as a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator
- minimally-invasive heart surgery
- open heart surgery
Although surgery is a
Many people with structural heart disease can live a full life while following their treatment plan.
However, it is important for people with structural heart disease to take care of their health in order to reduce the risk of complications as much as they can. This
- avoiding smoking
- limiting alcohol intake
- eating a heart-healthy diet
- maintaining a moderate weight
- getting enough sleep
- managing stress
- keeping track of blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Physical exercise is also important for heart health, but for some with structural heart disease, this may be more difficult. People who have trouble exercising should speak with their doctor about how they can manage this.
People with CHDs may also be at a higher risk for certain conditions, such as:
- delays in development
- difficulties with memory, concentration, planning, or coordination
- respiratory tract infections
- arrhythmias
- pulmonary hypertension
- endocarditis
- blood clots
- heart failure
Doctors may suggest lifestyle changes or additional treatments to reduce the risk of these complications.
For example, they may recommend that people do not undergo cosmetic procedures, such as getting tattoos or piercings, to reduce the chance of infections.
Structural heart disease refers to many different conditions that affect the structure of the heart. Certain structural heart diseases are present from birth, but some can also develop later in life.
Some people do not have symptoms, while others may require medical or surgical intervention to manage the condition.
Many treatment options exist for structural heart disease, and many people are able to live a typical life. However, it is important for individuals with these conditions to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow instructions from their healthcare team.