Structural heart disease occurs from aging, injury or infection and most often affects the heart valves.
As the heart beats, a precisely timed series of opening and closing of valves keeps blood flowing in the right direction. All four valves aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonic need to open wide, then shut tight in rhythm.
Heart valves may not close all the way (regurgitation) or open sufficiently (stenosis). These conditions can develop over time and often don’t need treatment. Sometimes blood thinners can help. If left untreated, however, structural heart disease can lead to serious complications.
Structural Heart Disease Care at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute