Have You Been Checked for a Heart Murmur?

You’ve got nothing to worry about, right? Not so fast.

A heart murmur can go undetected because you may not have symptoms. But that murmur can be a sign of heart valve disease that, left untreated, could put your health at serious risk.

Know The Symptoms

You may develop symptoms as your heart valve disease progresses. These symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath with exertion or activity.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting.
• Chest discomfort or chest pressure.
• A degree of fatigue that may limit mobility.
• Check with your doctor for a proper diagnosis because heart valve disease symptoms may appear to be other medical conditions.

New alternatives

TAVR

Were you considered too high a surgical risk for open heart surgery to repair your aortic valve? At Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital and the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Heart Murmur Clinic, there is a new alternative.

We offer TAVR - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - a minimally invasive, advanced heart procedure for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. A surgeon implants a replacement valve through a small incision near the femoral artery in the groin, eliminating the need for a large incision in the chest. It also may have fewer complications for you as compared with traditional open heart surgery. Other benefits may include shorter time in the hospital, faster recovery and minimal blood loss. The risks and benefits of TAVR versus traditional open heart surgery should be discussed with your doctor.

Mitral Clip

If you are a high-risk surgical patient suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, this advanced procedure can be effective at reducing your disease in a safer and less invasive way. It is available at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital’s Institute for Valvular Diseases. Each and every patient is unique. You may experience no symptoms, or you may find it nearly impossible to live a normal life. That’s why we don’t just treat your heart — we treat the whole you with comprehensive, compassionate care to improve your heart and your life.

Expert Care With A Personal Touch

At the Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Heart Murmur Clinic and the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Heart Murmur Clinic, we take a patient-centered, collaborative approach to provide the best outcomes. Our unique care includes assigning each patient a dedicated Nurse Navigator who is an acute care nurse practitioner. This means: 

• Your Nurse Navigator will guide you through the entire care process, from scheduling appointments to providing education for the family. 
• You will always see a familiar face and can reach your Nurse Navigator.
• Your Nurse Navigator will provide continuity of care after your procedure, with follow ups at 30 days and also one year.