Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease requires close monitoring and timely treatment. The team at the Heart Valve Clinic at UnityPoint Health – Peoria offers comprehensive, customized care with a wide range of treatments. 

We aim to diagnose and treat people who have valve disease or heart murmurs. Timely treatment can prevent complications down the road. 

Heart Valve Disease: Why Choose UnityPoint Health – Peoria?

At UnityPoint Health – Peoria, you receive care from a team of heart valve experts, including cardiac surgeons, radiologists, nurses and interventionalists. We have experience performing the latest valve treatments, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement. 

Highlights of our program include:

• Exceptional care: We offer continued follow-up care to monitor your well-being. We also provide education and support for you and your loved ones so that everyone understands your treatment plan and ongoing care.
• National recognition: Our imaging labs are nationally accredited. Accreditation shows we meet national standards for quality and safety.
• Detailed diagnostics: We use advanced testing, including cardiac CT, echocardiogram and cardiac MRI. Find out more about heart imaging and tests. 
• Second opinions: We provide second opinions to rule out or diagnose valve disease and determine its severity. We also offer second opinions on treatment recommendations. We can help you choose the right treatment path. 

What Is Heart Valve Disease?

Heart valve disease happens when one or more of your heart valves do not work like they should. Heart valves usually keep blood flowing to and from your heart. If a valve malfunctions, it can interrupt blood flow to your heart and the rest of your body. This can lead to heart failure or other conditions.

How We Treat Heart Valve Disease

Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the specific valve problem and your symptoms. Many people do not need treatment if symptoms are mild. But you will likely need treatment if your heart does not pump blood effectively. Treatment can restore blood flow to your heart and reduce complications from the disease. 

Treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms or a surgical procedure. Surgery can repair a damaged valve or replace it with a new valve. We use open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques for heart valve replacement. 

What is TAVR?

For heart valve disease caused by aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta), transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be an option. During this less invasive procedure, we make a small incision in the groin or chest. We use catheters to insert a new valve inside the diseased valve.

Our TAVR team includes a nurse with advanced training who manages your care. Your nurse will work with you every step of the way — from diagnosis to recovery.

Heart Valve Disease Symptoms

Talk to your doctor or ask for a referral to our Heart Valve Clinic if you experience these symptoms: 

• Cardiac murmur
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath with activity

Risk Factors for Heart Valve Disease

Some people are born with heart valve disease, while others may develop it because of certain risk factors, including:

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol
• Obesity 
• Smoking

Contact Us

Contact your primary care provider about a referral to the Heart Valve Clinic. Or, for more information, connect with a member of our heart team by calling us at 309-672-4670.