Heart valve disease refers to any of several conditions that prevent one or more of the valves in the heart from functioning adequately to assure proper circulation. Left untreated, heart valve disease can reduce the quality of life and become life-threatening. In many cases, heart valves can be surgically repaired or replaced, restoring normal function and allowing a return to normal activities.

To learn more about the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute Valve Center, please call (210) 575-4195 or (855) 574-4195.

Heart valve disease occurs when your heart's valves do not work correctly. Common causes of valve disease include rheumatic fever, birth defects, degeneration over time and infection. This can be caused by valvular stenosis or valvular insufficiency.

At the Methodist Heart Institute Heart Valve Center, located within the Methodist Hospital campus, our cardiac surgery programs specialize in heart value surgeries, as well as surgery involving the lungs, chest, esophagus and major blood vessels of the body. Our surgical experts are national leaders in cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery and deliver excellent clinical outcomes using the most innovative and up-to-date technology such as minimally invasive heart surgery with robot-assisted techniques.

Treatments for valve disease include:

• Protecting your valve from further damage by reducing the risk for endocarditis
• Medications to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of further valve damage
• Valve repair or replacement surgery, if needed
• Catheter based procedures, if needed
• Following up with your doctor for regular visits. Valve disease can get worse without any symptoms, so it is important to see your doctor as scheduled to check your condition

The best treatment options for you depends on several factors, including the type of valve disease you have, the severity of damage, your age and medical history. Your health care team will talk to you about each option. It is important to see a cardiologist who can fully understand your condition and help you make the best choices for your treatment.

Treatment with medication

You may need medication to help your heart pump better. The medication helps make up for the loss of pumping power due to the diseased valve. But, because heart valve disease is a mechanical problem, you may eventually need surgery.

Heart valve surgery

There are two types of valve surgery performed by the physicians at the Methodist Heart Institute Heart and Lung Valve Center: Valve repair surgery and valve replacement surgery.

You will have tests so your doctor can find out the location, type and extent of your valve disease. The test results help determine the best type of procedure for you. Other factors your doctor will consider are the structure of your heart, your age, other medical conditions you have, and your lifestyle.

Valve surgery may be combined with other heart surgeries. Examples include surgeries that involve more than one valve procedure and combining valve surgery with bypass surgery, aortic aneurysm surgery or surgery to treat atrial fibrillation.

The Methodist Heart and Lung Institute Heart Valve Center offers an interdisciplinary valve management team led by an outstanding group of highly skilled healthcare professionals including:

• Interventional cardiologists
• Cardiovascular surgeons
• Neurologists
• Pulmonologists
• Radiologists
• Anesthesiologists
• Specially trained and experienced cardiac critical care nurses

This highly skilled team collaborates with referring physicians to provide comprehensive care that includes thorough evaluations, imaging, communications, treatment options and surgical excellence.

Consultation services are available to assist you in finding options for your patients experiencing any heart valve condition. The team at the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute Heart Valve Center will keep you, as the referring physician, informed about your patient's progress every step of the way.