Heart Valve Disease Symptoms & Care
At The Christ Hospital Health Network, our heart valve disease experts offer the latest treatments not found at other hospitals in our region - including complex procedures using small incisions. Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valve diseases, and is devoted to improving quality of life for our heart valve disease patients.
As a Center of Excellence, nearly 85 percent of our patients with a single aortic, mitral or tricuspid valve problem are candidates for a minimally invasive procedure. In fact, since 2013 our team has performed hundreds of minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair surgeries.
We also offer minimally invasive transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) for severe mitral valve disease. This means you have more options and access to procedures that offer fewer, smaller incisions, faster recoveries and better outcomes than open-heart surgery.
What is heart valve disease?
Every year, nearly five million Americans learn they have heart valve disease. Awareness and early detection of heart valve disease can save lives, so knowing the symptoms of the disease is important.
Heart valve disease alters the flow of blood through the heart. It primarily affects people over the age of 60 as a result of changes in the valve structure.
There are two main types of heart valve disease:
Stenosis is the most common form of valve disease. It occurs when a valve becomes stiff and will not completely open, preventing blood from circulating.
Regurgitation occurs when one of the heart valves does not close entirely, allowing blood to leak backwards.
Symptoms of heart valve disease
The symptoms of heart valve disease can include:
Left untreated, heart valve disease can put a strain on the heart and eventually lead to:
Why choose The Christ Hospital Health Network
If you experience symptoms of heart valve disease, or if you've already been diagnosed, you'll find the care and support you need at The Christ Hospital Health Network, Cincinnati's leader in cardiovascular care. The Christ Hospital continually researches new techniques for treating valve diseases.
Top 50 heart hospital. The Christ Hospital has been named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery by HealthGrades and one of the World's Best Hospitals for Cardiology by Newsweek.
Watch to learn what makes us the most comprehensive valve program in the region.
Specialized expertise - We offer the most extensive expertise across the spectrum of heart and vascular care. Our doctors are known leaders in cardiovascular care and provide new hope for patients who may not be candidates for open-heart procedures.
The Christ Hospital has earned a distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and isolated mitral valve replacement, and repair (MVRR) surgery. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places The Christ Hospital among the elite for MVRR surgery in the United States and Canada.
Treatment options - Our patients benefit from a wider range of personalized treatment options than at many other hospitals. As the only hospital in the region to offer certain minimally invasive heart valve repair and replacement surgeries, you can get the most advanced treatments, close to home.
Clinical research - Our doctors have developed many new techniques in cardiovascular medicine over the past 20 years. Patients have access to treatments, such as the Edwards Intuity Elite valve system, not found at many other hospitals.
Team approach - Our expert team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists (heart and lung bypass specialists) and nurses work closely to manage your procedure. Our surgeons and intensive care cardiologists partner after your surgery to help with your successful recovery.
Heart and vascular support groups - For patients with heart-related conditions, we offer education and support. We encourage you to share your experiences to learn how to live your healthiest life.
To learn more about heart valve disease treatment at The Christ Hospital, please call 513-206-1222, or to get a second opinion regarding surgery from one of our experts, call 513-206-1170.