Diagnosing a Valve Condition

Your doctor may suspect that you have valve disease if he or she hears abnormal sounds when listening to your heart through a stethoscope. These abnormal sounds, which are sometimes called a heart murmur, can be a sign of valve regurgitation (leakage in the valve) or stenosis (narrowing of the valve).

Why choose UPMC in Central Pa. for heart valve disease diagnosis and treatment?

At UPMC in Central Pa., our cardiovascular specialists understand that the best treatment for heart valve disease starts with an expert diagnosis. That’s why our team across central Pennsylvania works collaboratively to review your unique heart health history and test results. If your valve condition requires treatment, our cardiovascular specialists work closely with our nationally recognized team of valve experts to create a custom treatment plan.

Diagnostic Tests for Heart Valve Disease

Our experts use the latest diagnostic tests to learn about your heart valve condition, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
• Echocardiogram (Echo). This noninvasive ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart's chambers and valves. The echo sound waves create an image on a monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over your heart.
• Two-dimensional echocardiogram (2D Echo). This test uses ultrasound to display a cross sectional "slice" of your beating heart, including the chambers, valves, and the major blood vessels that exit from the left and right part of your heart.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). TEE is a form of echocardiography that is performed by inserting a probe with a transducer into your esophagus rather than placing the transducer on your chest as in a traditional echocardiogram. A TEE provides a clearer image of your heart because the sound waves do not have to pass through skin, muscle, or bone.
• Chest x-ray. A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. An x-ray can show enlargement in any area of the heart.
• Cardiac catheterization. This diagnostic procedure involves the insertion of a tiny, hollow tube (catheter) through a large artery in your leg or arm leading to your heart in order to provide images of your heart and blood vessels. This procedure is helpful in determining the type and extent of certain valve disorders.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• CT angiogram. A CT angiogram is an imaging test that looks at the arteries that supply your heart muscle. Unlike a cardiac catheterization procedure, this test uses a powerful x-ray machine to produce images of your heart and heart vessels.

Learn more about our diagnostic cardiology services.

Treatment for Heart Valve Disease

If you require treatment for heart valve disease, the specialists in our Structural Heart Program perform advanced valve repair or replacement procedures using the latest minimally invasive techniques.

See our treatments for heart valve disease.

Need more information?

Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Practices
Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry/Lebanon Counties: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Adams/York Counties: 717-637-1738 or 717-849-5576
Lancaster County: 717-299-5000
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555

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Providers

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Locations

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 East Main Street
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
360 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Adult Cardiology: 717-243-6557
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-243-0102

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2020 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-731-8359 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
900 Century Drive
Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-591-3661

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport
300 Bretz Court
Newport, PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-567-2621

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
4th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-231-8555
Fax: 717-231-8568

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2808 Old Post Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-920-4401

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Commerce Park Professional Center
20 Expedition Trail
Suite 203
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2200
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
16324 Mount Airy Road
Lower Level
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1600 6th Avenue
Suite 105
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1555 Highlands Drive
Suite 100
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants)
1697 Crown Avenue
Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205