Valve Center
Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates (HCA) has established the Valve Center to treat patients with valvular heart disease. The center is led by Dr. Venkatesh Alapati, a fellowship-trained structural heart specialist.
We offer a full range of services for valvular heart disease, including:
- Personal consultation
- Cardiac rehab
- Nutrition counseling
- Stress management training
- Smoking cessation
- Medications
- Surgery
Signs and Symptoms
Valvular heart disease can develop quickly or slowly over time. In cases that develop gradually over time, symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced.
Signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fever
- Irregular heart rate
- Rapid weight gain
Treatment Options
Mild valvular heart disease may not require treatment. Treatments for valvular heart disease that is moderate or severe include:
- Medications may be used to reduce your symptoms, slow their progression, or treat other conditions that are affecting your heart valves. Diuretics, vasodilators, blood thinners, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat valvular heart disease.
- Surgery to repair or replace heart valves that are damaged or diseased.
- Stress management training.
- Smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement or support group therapy.
- Exercise and physical activity.
- Nutrition counseling or therapy.
- Weight management.
- Cardiac rehab.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive treatment for aortic stenosis where a diseased or damaged aortic valve is replaced with an aortic valve made from animal tissues.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may qualify for valvular heart disease treatment at the Valve Center if your disease is moderate to severe and you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your quality of life. Most patients who are treated at our Valve Center are referred to us by another physician or come directly from HCA after being diagnosed by their cardiologist.
Contact our Valve Center to request an appointment if:
- Your symptoms are becoming worse.
- You are experiencing new symptoms.
- Your current treatment is not improving your symptoms.
Our Team
Dr. Venkatesh Alapati currently leads the Valve Center at HCA. Dr. Alapati is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine. He completed his fellowship in structural heart disease at the University of Miami Hospital, Miller School of Medicine in Miami, FL, and is dedicated to applying his skills and knowledge toward treating patients with valvular heart disease and helping them improve their quality of life.
Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates is committed to providing the highest quality of care in a patient-centered environment. Our offices are conveniently located in Flemington, Clinton, and Bridgewater. If you are experiencing symptoms of valvular heart disease, contact HCA today at (908) 788-1710 to request an appointment with one of our cardiologists.
