Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular Heart Disease services offered in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City and Riverview, FL

Valvular heart disease affects the flow of blood through your heart due to problems with one or more of your heart valves. Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice with offices in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, where cardiologists provide comprehensive care for valvular heart disease. They use cutting-edge tools to diagnose and treat valvular heart disease. Call the nearest office or schedule a consultation online today.

Valvular Heart Disease Q&A


What should I know about valvular heart disease?

Valvular heart disease, also called heart valve disease, means there’s a heart valve flap that’s not opening or closing like it should. Your heart has four valves — tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic. Each valve has a flap that opens during a heartbeat and closes between beats. The opening and closing of the valves ensures the blood flows through your heart in the right direction. There are different types of heart valve problems, including:

Regurgitation

Regurgitation means there’s a backflow of blood because the valve isn’t closing tight enough.

Stenosis

Stenosis means the valve is too stiff or thick and unable to open fully, limiting the amount of blood that flows through.

Prolapse

Prolapse occurs when the valve is unable to close properly and is a common cause of regurgitation.

Atresia

Atresia means the heart valve failed to fully form, and there’s no opening for the blood to flow through. Some people are born with valvular heart disease, while others develop the heart condition from other underlying health issues, such as rheumatic fever or coronary artery disease (CAD).

Do I need a cardiologist for asymptomatic valvular heart disease?

You should have a cardiologist if you have valvular heart disease, even if you don’t have symptoms. Many people have this heart condition for years before experiencing problems. However, valvular heart disease worsens over time and may cause:
  • Chest pain during exercise (angina)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Leg swelling
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness
When your valves aren’t working as they should, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body, putting you at risk of health complications like heart failure or cardiac arrest.

What tests diagnose valvular heart disease?

Your cardiologist may perform various tests to diagnose valvular heart disease following a history and physical exam. Testing may include:
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Echocardiogram
  • Chest X-ray
  • Stress test
Your provider may also recommend a cardiac catheterization, an interventional cardiology procedure that uses catheters to evaluate your heart from the inside.

What are the treatments for valvular heart disease?

Your specialist at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute customizes your valvular heart disease treatment plan based on the severity of your disease. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgeries to repair or replace the faulty valve. The interventional cardiologists at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute perform a number of procedures to treat valvular heart disease, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the MitraClip™ procedure. Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or schedule your cardiology consultation using the online booking feature today.

Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Services

We offer comprehensive diagnostic and preventive heart and vein care, ensuring every patient receives accurate evaluation and effective treatment.

Interventional Cardiology

We specialize in minimally invasive procedures that open blocked arteries and restore proper blood flow, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Our experts diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked vessels outside the heart, enhancing circulation and reducing pain in the legs and extremities.

Coronary Artery Disease

We provide advanced care to manage plaque buildup in coronary arteries, improving oxygen flow to the heart and preventing serious cardiac events.

Valvular Heart Disease

Our specialists assess and treat valve disorders to restore normal heart rhythm and ensure efficient blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension

We offer personalized management for high blood pressure through medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to protect your heart and arteries.

Congestive Heart Failure

Comprehensive treatment plans help strengthen heart function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with heart failure.

High Cholesterol

We focus on preventing heart disease through cholesterol management programs that combine medication, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle coaching.

Heart Palpitations

Our team evaluates irregular or rapid heartbeats with advanced diagnostic tools to identify causes and develop effective treatment strategies.

Arrhythmias

We diagnose and manage heart rhythm abnormalities using state-of-the-art monitoring and therapies that help maintain a steady, healthy heartbeat.

Atrial Fibrillation

We offer cutting-edge care for atrial fibrillation, using medication and minimally invasive procedures to restore normal rhythm and prevent stroke.

Syncope

Our specialists investigate fainting episodes to determine underlying cardiovascular causes and provide treatment to prevent future occurrences.

Echocardiogram

This non-invasive ultrasound test gives detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, helping us assess heart health and detect conditions early.

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test

We use advanced imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, identifying areas of reduced circulation or damage with high precision.

Venous Disorders and Management

We diagnose and treat varicose veins, deep vein issues, and other venous conditions to restore comfort, improve circulation, and prevent complications.

Holter Monitor

A portable Holter device records your heart’s activity over 24–48 hours, allowing accurate detection of rhythm irregularities in real-life settings.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, replacing damaged valves to improve blood flow and overall heart performance.

MitraClip Procedure

We perform MitraClip therapy to treat mitral valve regurgitation, improving heart efficiency and reducing symptoms without the need for surgery.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Interventions

Our specialists use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to dissolve clots, relieve pain, and prevent long-term vein damage from DVT.

Pulmonary Embolism Interventions

We offer rapid diagnosis and targeted treatments to remove or dissolve clots in the lungs, restoring breathing and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Watchman Device Implantation

This innovative procedure reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by closing the left atrial appendage and eliminating long-term anticoagulants.

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

We implant pacemakers to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats, restoring proper rhythm and improving daily function and energy levels.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Our ICD implantation helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest by detecting dangerous rhythms and automatically delivering corrective electrical pulses.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

We close the small opening between heart chambers using a catheter-based device, reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall circulation.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure

This minimally invasive procedure repairs holes in the heart wall, restoring normal blood flow and preventing complications like stroke or heart failure.