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Structural Heart Program Expert Care, From the Heart

Structural heart disease can disrupt your day-to-day routine, decrease your quality of life andElderly gentleman in plaid shirt sits in brown leather armchair
threaten your longevity. The Structural Heart Team at Fairfield Medical Center is here to help return you to health when you need it most.

Our Structural Heart Program has been specially designed for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the cardiac valves, walls and muscles.This comprehensive program offers expert care, a rapid diagnosis and advanced, lifesaving treatment – right here in your community.

When you choose Fairfield Medical Center, you are choosing to receive personalized care from a group of dedicated, compassionate providers.

Heart patient stands with cardiac care team

Team Approach Working Together to Personalize Care

The Structural Heart Team is made up of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, imaging specialists and advanced practice nurses. Through quick and convenient workups at our Structural Heart Clinic, patients can easily see multiple providers in a single visit and promptly complete diagnostic testing.

The team then works closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan, while our nurse navigators offer guidance, support and education throughout the process.

 

 

“The attention this team gave my father was genuine and from the heart. They really got to know my dad, and they cared about how he felt, mentally and physically.”

Brenda Dean, daughter of structural heart patient Bob Jones
Learn more about Bob’s story here.

Advanced Treatment Options

Historically, structural heart disease has been treated with open-heart surgery, and this may still be considered the best treatment option for many patients. In recent years, however, minimally invasive procedures – like TAVR – have revolutionized care through the use of catheters. These incredible procedures boast exceptional outcomes with less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Structural heart treatment options at FMC:

Your team of physicians will help you decide which treatment is best for you.

What is Structural Heart Disease?

Senior man and young grandson planting flowersThe term “structural heart disease” refers to a variety of diseases affecting the valves, walls and muscles of the heart. Most structural heart disease is the result of the normal aging process, but it can also be present at birth or result from damage caused by rheumatic fever, infections, radiation or certain medical conditions. Some of the most common types of structural heart disease include:

  • Aortic or Mitral Valve Stenosis
  • Aortic or Mitral Valve Regurgitation
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Left Atrial Appendage

 

A Note on Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis, a disease characterized by the narrowing of the aortic heart valve, can be particularly dangerous. If left untreated, the condition can get progressively worse, decreasing your ability to live fully and even becoming life-threatening. Fairfield Medical Center’s Structural Heart Team is passionate about treating this disease quickly and effectively through the use of advanced, minimally invasive treatment options.

Symptoms of Structural Heart Disease

If you or a loved one are exhibiting any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about referral to the Structural Heart Program:

  • Difficulty doing tasks that were once simple, such as feeling short of breath or very tired when walking, climbing stairs, doing light housework or getting the mail
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded or fainting
  • Palpitations (feeling as though your heart is beating too fast, too slow or skipping beats)
  • Swelling of the feet, legs or abdomen
  • Signs of heart failure, such as rapid weight gain or moist cough
Doctor talking to her male senior patient at office

How do I Become a Patient of the Structural Heart Program?

Physician referral is required for the Structural Heart Program. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of structural heart disease, or are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from a related condition, speak with your primary care provider immediately.

For more information, or to refer a patient, please call 740-689-4480.

Meet the Team

John Lazarus, MD, PhD
John Lazarus, MD, PhD
Cardiology (Heart Care), Interventional Cardiology
Jason Weingart, MD
Jason Weingart, MD
Cardiology (Heart Care), Interventional Cardiology
Jeremy Buckley, MD
Jeremy Buckley, MD
Cardiology (Heart Care), Interventional Cardiology
P. Aryeh Cohen, MD
P. Aryeh Cohen, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Care, Thoracic Surgery
Alyson Adams, CNP
Alyson Adams, CNP
Cardiology (Heart Care)
Michael Reinig, DO
Michael Reinig, DO
Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology (Heart Care)
Andrew Stiff, MD
Andrew Stiff, MD
Cardiology (Heart Care), Heart Care, Interventional Cardiology
Senior couple smiling together
Beating Heart Valve Disease

In 2019, David Mast noticed he had less energy than he used to. The Structural Heart Team at FMC quickly determined he was suffering from aortic stenosis – and they made a plan to fix it. Learn more about the symptoms of aortic stenosis and valve disease treatment.

Fairfield Medical Center
FMC Celebrates One Year of TAVR, Improved Quality of Life

Learn more about FMC’s innovative valve replacement technology and what it means for the community.

Robert Jones FMC TAVR patient
State-of-the-Heart Technology

Robert “Bob” Jones recently became the first patient at Fairfield Medical Center to be treated with the TAVR procedure, an innovative alternative to open-heart surgery.