Structural Heart Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Structural heart disease means a problem with the structure of the heart, such as its walls, valves or muscle. Some structural heart diseases are congenital, meaning present at birth. Others are acquired and develop later in life.

There are many types of structural heart disease, but they all involve a defect in the heart's tissues, valves or chambers that affects how blood flows.

Structural Heart Disease

Following heart defects are involved in the category of the structural heart disease, they include

1- Atrial Septal Defect

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the heart's two upper chambers (atria). It is present at birth. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a related small opening between the atria.

Extra blood flows through the hole, usually from the left side to the right side, which increases blood flow to the lungs. The CDC notes that many babies with an ASD have no signs or symptoms, so some people aren't diagnosed until adulthood.

Large defects can cause shortness of breath during activity, frequent lung infections, skipped heartbeats and swelling. Small holes may close on their own, while larger ones can be closed with a catheter procedure or surgery.

2- Ventricle Septal Defect

Like an ASD, a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole, but in the wall between the heart's two lower chambers (ventricles). It lets blood pass between the left and right sides of the heart.

A small VSD may cause no symptoms and often closes on its own. A large VSD can cause fast breathing, tiredness during feeding and poor weight gain in babies, and it may be closed with a catheter procedure or surgery.

3- Heart Valve Disease

The heart has four valves: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral (bicuspid) and aortic valves. According to the NHLBI, heart valve diseases happen when a valve narrows, leaks or has other problems that affect blood flow.

These problems can disturb pressure inside the heart's chambers and make the heart work harder. Treatment can include medicines to manage symptoms and procedures or surgery to repair or replace the valve.

4- Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Depending on the type, the muscle can become enlarged, thickened or stiff.

5- Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle is called myocarditis. Many cases are caused by viruses, but bacteria, other infections, certain drugs, toxins and immune conditions can also cause it. Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics help only when a bacterial infection is responsible.

Symptoms of Structural Heart Disease

The signs and symptoms vary from patient to patient, depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of structural heart disease include

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Tightness or pressure felt in the chest
Cough
Fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
Swollen legs, ankles, feet or belly
Rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
A heart murmur that a doctor hears with a stethoscope

Some structural heart problems can also lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure and kidney problems.

Call 911 for chest pain, severe shortness of breath or fainting.

What Are The Causes Of Structural Heart Disease?

Many structural heart diseases are congenital, present from birth. Others develop over time due to the following causes

High blood pressure

Uncontrolled, long-term high blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood through the body. Over time, the heart muscle can thicken and stiffen, which can lead to heart failure.

Atherosclerosis

Plaque builds up inside the arteries and narrows them, restricting blood flow. When the coronary artery that supplies the heart is narrowed or blocked, the heart muscle gets less oxygen. A heart attack can leave scar tissue that doesn't contract, which weakens the heart's pumping and can damage the valves.

Alcohol Consumption

Chronic, heavy alcohol use can weaken the heart muscle and reduce how well the heart pumps.

Anti-Cancer Drugs

Some cancer treatments, including certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation to the chest, can damage the heart muscle or valves.

Infections and Aging

Infections such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis can damage the heart valves. Valves can also stiffen and narrow with age.

How It Can Be Diagnosed?

Structural heart disease that wasn't found at birth can be diagnosed later through your history, a physical exam and tests that show the heart's structure and function. These tests can include

Blood tests
Chest x-ray
ECG
Echocardiogram
Cardiac MRI or CT scan

If you have symptoms of a heart problem, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

HP Thoughts: Here is the second most common heart ailment in our mini-series: Cardiovascular Disease.