Structural Heart Disease Care in New Jersey at Hackensack Meridian Health
Structural heart disease refers to problems with the heart’s valves, walls or chambers. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain or even heart failure.
At Hackensack Meridian Health, our Structural Heart Program brings together cardiologists, interventional specialists and surgeons who are leaders in minimally invasive heart care. Using advanced imaging and catheter-based techniques, our team collaborates to deliver precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes with shorter recovery times.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a structural heart disease and referred for care, use our online tool to find a structural heart specialist near you.
What are the Symptoms of Structural Heart Disease?
Structural heart disease affects the physical structure of the heart, such as valves or chambers. You should consider scheduling a screening if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue with activity
- Swelling in the neck, abdomen, lower legs or ankles
- Irregular heartbeat
If symptoms are sudden or severe, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
How is Structural Heart Disease Diagnosed?
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate tests based on your condition and symptoms. Our cardiologists may use one or more non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram, to diagnose structural heart disease.
You may undergo a state-of-the-art minimally invasive diagnostic test like cardiac catheterization, a procedure that uses a long, narrow tube (catheter) to help doctors understand your heart’s structure.
Often, we can diagnose and treat structural heart conditions without requiring invasive surgery. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to learn more.
Common Structural Heart Diseases and Conditions
Structural heart disease covers a wide range of problems with the heart’s structure. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we commonly care for patients with conditions such as:
Aortic Stenosis: A condition where the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow, cannot open fully, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Mitral Valve Prolapse (Barlow Syndrome): Occurs when the mitral valve, located between the heart’s upper and lower left chambers, cannot close properly. This syndrome can progress to mitral valve regurgitation.
Mitral Valve Stenosis: A condition in which the mitral valve, located between the heart’s upper and lower left chambers, becomes too narrow.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation: The most common type of valve disease. It occurs when the valve between the heart’s upper and lower left chambers doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitate).
Tricuspid Regurgitation: A condition in which the tricuspid valve, located between the heart’s upper and lower right chambers, doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitate).
*This is not a complete list of structural heart diseases treated at Hackensack Meridian Health. To learn more about what we treat, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
Treatments for Structural Heart Disease
At Hackensack Meridian Health, our doctors are pioneers in the latest procedures to treat structural heart conditions. Even if you’ve been told surgery is not an option for you, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure. These innovative techniques might lead to less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery — so you can get back to doing the things you love.
MitraClip® is a permanent implant device designed to relieve the symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. Inserted during a minimally invasive procedure, MitraClip® is guided through a catheter to the heart to prevent leaking. Learn more about treatment for mitral valve prolapse.
During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), surgeons use a catheter to guide a tiny device to the damaged heart valve. This revolutionary approach to treating severe aortic stenosis can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes than traditional open-heart surgery. Learn more about treatment for aortic stenosis.
During surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), surgeons remove the damaged valve and replace it with a mechanical or biological valve. SAVR is typically recommended for patients who are not candidates for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) or who need open-heart surgery for additional heart repairs.
The WATCHMAN™ LAAC Device reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation not related to a valve problem. This device closes the left atrial appendage of the heart and keeps harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream. By blocking this area, you may be able to reduce your risk of stroke. Over time, you may also be able to stop taking warfarin. Learn more about treatment for atrial fibrillation.
In addition to MitraClip®, TAVR and WATCHMAN™, we offer several minimally invasive and open valve surgeries, including:
- Aortic valve repair and replacement (including TAVR)
- Combined valve, coronary and atrial fibrillation surgery
- Complex mitral valve repair and replacement
- Minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve surgeries
Frequently Asked Questions
A diagnosis doesn’t always mean you’ll need surgery right away. The first step is meeting with a cardiologist or structural heart specialist to review your test results and talk about your symptoms. Together, you’ll create a care plan that may include:
- Monitoring: Regular checkups and imaging to track changes over time.
- Medications: To manage symptoms like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or fluid buildup.
- Procedures: If your condition worsens, minimally invasive options like TAVR, MitraClip, or the Watchman device may be available. In some cases, surgery may be the best long-term solution.
Eligibility depends on your valve condition, overall health, and test results. Many patients who aren’t candidates for open-heart surgery may qualify for catheter-based treatments such as TAVR or MitraClip®. Your structural heart specialist will walk you through the options and recommend the safest, most effective path forward.
