Heart and valve care

When you need more advanced care for the health of your heart, cardiovascular specialists at Ascension sites of care deliver personalized treatments that are right for you.

• Doctors with the expertise to diagnose and treat heart valves conditions
• Collaboration between a team of heart and vascular specialists
• Leading technology and advanced therapeutic and surgical treatments
• Advanced diagnostics and imaging
• Personalized follow-up care and rehab to get you back to your life

Your doctor starts by listening to you to better understand you and your health. Then, we work with you to create a personalized care plan that meets all of your heart care needs. Your recommended care plan may include diagnostic tests, minimally invasive heart surgery, ongoing chronic condition care and medication management and cardiac rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive heart valve replacement

If you have aortic valve disease, your doctor may recommend replacing your aortic valve. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgery.

TAVR can help treat the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis, one of the most common serious heart valve problems. Aortic valve stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic heart valve, which prevents the valve from opening and closing properly. Symptoms of aortic stenosis can include chest pain and a feeling of tightness with activity, fatigue, shortness of breath with activity, feeling faint with activity and rapid heartbeat.

The TAVR procedure replaces your heart valve, so oxygen-rich blood flows in the right direction through your heart and body. Your doctor uses a small incision for valve placement and repair. Some people go home the next day after a TAVR procedure, or you might stay the night in the hospital for additional monitoring. Ask your doctor about a TAVR evaluation to see if valve replacement or other surgical option is right for you.

Specialists in structural heart and valve surgery

Heart and valve damage or disease can lead to heart attack or progressive heart failure, so talk to your doctor about treatment options. For some heart valve conditions, surgery may be recommended. Whenever possible, your team of heart specialists will recommend surgery using less invasive techniques. Minimally invasive procedures may help shorten your recovery time. Surgeries to help correct a heart valve problem may include:

• Aortic and mitral valvuloplasty (balloon valvuloplasty)
• Left atrial appendage closure
• Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER)
• Paravalvular periprosthetic leak repair
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation

Heart care that focuses on the whole you

Your cardiovascular specialist and care team collaborate, working together with you and for you. Your doctor listens to understand your healthcare needs, new symptoms and goals. At Ascension sites of care, your care team supports you before, during and after your heart valve surgery to help you return to the regular daily activities and those you love. Your doctor will work with you to monitor your heart health over time. And your follow-up care may include cardiac rehab and medication management.

Get a second opinion for your structural heart diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan for structural heart and valve are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options for restoring or correcting your heart’s rhythm. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized heart care plan.

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan such as medications or surgery, there’s a lot to think about. Our heart specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.

If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.