Structural heart disease arises from defects or disorders affecting the heart's structure. These problems can be present at birth or develop later in life due to aging or underlying diseases.
Causes of Structural Heart Disease
Structural heart disease can be caused by a variety of factors, which can be broadly categorized as congenital or acquired.
Congenital Heart Defects
These are structural abnormalities present at birth. Some examples include:
- Septal Defects: Holes in the walls between the heart's chambers.
- Valve Abnormalities: Malformed or improperly functioning heart valves.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries: The aorta and pulmonary artery are switched.
Acquired Structural Heart Disease
These conditions develop later in life. According to the provided reference, acquired structural heart disease can result from:
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Aging: Over time, the heart valves can thicken and stiffen, leading to conditions like aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation.
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Underlying Diseases: Conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and rheumatic fever can damage the heart's structure. The reference indicates that these diseases cause "wear and tear on the heart."
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Can lead to thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy).
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Can cause damage to the heart muscle due to reduced blood flow.
- Rheumatic Fever: Can damage heart valves.
Summary Table
| Category | Causes | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Defects | Present at birth due to developmental issues. | Septal defects, valve abnormalities, transposition of great arteries. |
| Acquired Conditions | Develop over time due to aging or underlying diseases causing wear and tear. | Aortic stenosis (due to aging), valve damage (due to rheumatic fever), hypertrophy. |
In summary, structural heart disease can be present at birth or develop over time due to the effects of aging and other underlying diseases that cause wear and tear on the heart.
