A diagnosis of structural heart disease can feel frightening and overwhelming at first. Whether the condition involves a heart valve, a septal defect, or another structural issue, many patients worry about how it will affect their daily lives.
The good news is that with modern treatments and regular follow-up care, many people with structural heart disease can live active, fulfilling lives. Ongoing care plays a key role in protecting your heart and preventing complications over time, so today, we’re looking at what structural heart disease is and why ongoing care matters.
What Is Structural Heart Disease?
Structural heart disease refers to abnormalities in the heart’s valves, walls, chambers, or major vessels. Some people are born with these conditions, while others develop them later due to aging, infection, or underlying medical issues.
Common examples include:
- Aortic stenosis
- Mitral regurgitation
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs)
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
- Other congenital or acquired structural abnormalities
Depending on the condition and its severity, symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Chest discomfort
- Irregular heartbeat
In many cases, structural heart disease progresses gradually, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
Why Ongoing Care Matters
Even if your symptoms are mild (or you’ve already had a procedure), structural heart disease usually requires long-term management.
Regular checkups allow your cardiology team to:
- Monitor changes in heart function
- Detect worsening valve or structural problems
- Adjust medications when needed
- Identify complications early
- Determine the right timing for procedures
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Waiting too long to treat certain structural issues can increase the risk of heart failure, rhythm problems, or other complications.
What Ongoing Care Typically Includes
Your follow-up care plan will depend on your specific condition, but it often involves a combination of the following:
- Regular Cardiology Visits: Your doctor will review your symptoms, check your heart sounds, and assess your overall health.
- Imaging Tests: Echocardiograms are commonly used to monitor valve function and heart structure over time. Other imaging, such as CT or MRI, may be recommended in certain cases.
- Medication Management: Some patients benefit from medications that help control blood pressure, regulate heart rhythm, or reduce cardiac strain.
- Lifestyle Guidance:
- Heart-healthy eating habits
- Regular, appropriate physical activity
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation, if applicable
- Stress reduction strategies
These steps help support overall cardiovascular health and reduce the workload on the heart.
Life After a Structural Heart Procedure
If you’ve had a minimally invasive procedure or surgery, follow-up care is essential.
Regular monitoring ensures that:
- The repair or replacement is functioning properly
- No new issues have developed
- Your heart is adapting well to the treatment
Many patients experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life after treatment, but continued follow-up care helps maintain these outcomes.
Partnering With Your Cardiology Team
Living with structural heart disease is not something you have to do alone. Your cardiology team is here to guide you, answer questions, and adjust your care plan as your needs change.
By staying consistent with follow-up visits and recommended tests, you’re giving your heart the best chance to stay strong and healthy for years to come.
Protecting Your Long-Term Heart Health
Regular checkups allow your care team to catch small changes before they become serious problems. This proactive approach helps preserve heart function, prevent complications, and ensure that any necessary treatments happen at the right time.
Regular monitoring by a cardiology team helps protect your long-term heart health. Schedule routine evaluations to stay ahead of potential issues and keep your treatment plan on track. If you’d like to book a consultation, contact our office today at Our cardiologists in New Jersey. We’re here to keep you as healthy as possible.