Care for aortic valve disorders in Nashville
When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, you get an entire team dedicated to your heart care. Your doctor works with you on a care plan and connects the dots for your care when you need a specialist. If you have leaky heart valves or other aortic disorders, your heart care team is ready to answer your questions, and make sure you have all the information to make the right choice for your care.
Recognize the symptoms of aortic valve disease
Chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms of both aortic valve and aorta artery disease. Other symptoms of aorta artery disease may include:
- Cold sweats
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Pain in the arms or shoulder
- Weakness
Besides chest discomfort and breathing concerns, symptoms of a leaky aortic heart valve may also include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid weight gain
Minimally invasive heart valve repair and replacement
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is a national leader in minimally invasive approaches to treat different heart valve problems. If you have aortic valve disease, your doctor may recommend replacing your aortic valve. For those considered high risk for open-heart surgery due to age, previous heart surgery, stroke or other chronic conditions, a minimally invasive procedure may be an option.
Aortic valve stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic heart valve, which prevents the valve from opening and closing properly. Symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain or tightness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and feeling faint, and shortness of breath with activity.
TAVR can help treat aortic valve stenosis, one of the most common heart valve problems. During the TAVR procedure, your old heart valve is replaced so oxygen-rich blood can flow in the right direction — through your heart and body. Ask your doctor about a TAVR evaluation to see if valve replacement is right for you.
Care for aortic-related congenital heart disease
Some aortic diseases are present at birth. Our doctors specialize in treating aortic-related, congenital heart disease, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve disease, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections. You’ll find that managing a long-term, chronic heart condition is easier with a care team ready to support you.
Get a second opinion from a heart valve specialist
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists can also connect you with the right specialists for minimally invasive surgery, including TAVR, MitraClip™, WATCHMAN™, and ablation. Our heart and vascular 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.
Meet our experienced heart care team
Your experienced care team at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart includes cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons trained in the latest testing, treatments and procedures. And, as part of a national team, you have access to advanced heart care close to home. Our doctors specialize in treating aortic-related, congenital heart disease, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve disease, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections.
To refer a patient to the Heart Aortic Center, please call 615-22-AORTA or 855-284-2255.