Aortic valve disease occurs when the aortic valve doesn’t open or close properly, affecting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, this can cause the heart to work harder and may lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Types of aortic valve disease include:

• Aortic valve stenosis — occurs when the valve opening narrows due to stiffened or fused valve flaps, limiting blood flow out of the heart
• Aortic valve regurgitation — which occurs when the valve doesn’t close fully, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart

Some people may have no symptoms for years, while others may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, fainting or an irregular heartbeat.

Aortic valve disease may be present at birth or develop over time due to aging, infection, high blood pressure or injury to the heart. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include monitoring, valve repair or valve replacement.

Aortic valve disease is treated with personalized options that may include valve repair, surgical or transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR), and minimally invasive catheter-based procedures — chosen based on your condition, risks and overall health.

Heart rhythm disorders, also called arrhythmias, occur when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat don’t work properly. This can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Some heart rhythm problems may cause noticeable symptoms such as a fluttering or racing heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting, while others may be found during a routine exam.

Mayo Clinic Health System offers Heart Rhythm Clinics in Mankato, Eau Claire and La Crosse to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders using a coordinated, team‑based approach. Care is provided by cardiology specialists with advanced training in electrophysiology, working closely with other heart care experts to develop personalized treatment plans.

The Heart Rhythm Clinic provides evaluation and ongoing management for a wide range of heart rhythm conditions. Services may include advanced diagnostic testing, medication management, catheter‑based procedures such as ablation, and implantation and monitoring of heart rhythm devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Follow‑up care may include remote or virtual monitoring to help support long‑term heart rhythm management and quality of life.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers, causing the heart to beat fast or irregularly and reducing how effectively it pumps blood.

AFib is more common in people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid conditions or a history of heart surgery, but it can also occur in people without known risk factors. When the heart beats irregularly, blood flow in the atria can slow, increasing the risk of blood clots that may travel through the body and lead to stroke or other complications. Over time, a fast or irregular heartbeat can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure.

Treatment for AFib focuses on controlling heart rhythm and rate, reducing stroke risk, and improving symptoms—based on your individual condition and overall health.

Other heart rhythm disorders we treat include:

• Atrial flutter
• Conduction block
• Bradyarrhythmias, including sick sinus syndrome
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Ventricular arrhythmias

Signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disorders may include:

• A fluttering or racing heartbeat
• A slow heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart condition in which there is a hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers. This opening allows extra blood to flow through the lungs, which can place strain on the heart and lungs over time.

Small atrial septal defects may cause no symptoms and are sometimes discovered incidentally. Some close on their own during infancy or early childhood. Larger or long‑standing ASDs may lead to complications if left untreated.

An ASD may be detected before or shortly after birth, or later in life during a routine exam. In some cases, a health care provider may hear a heart murmur—an abnormal sound caused by altered blood flow—when listening to the heart.

Care for atrial septal defect depends on the size and type of the opening and a person’s overall heart and lung health. Some ASDs only require monitoring, while others may need treatment to help prevent future complications.

Congenital heart disease refers to one or more structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. These conditions can affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. Some congenital heart defects are mild and may never cause symptoms, while more complex defects can lead to serious or life threatening complications.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment now allow many people born with congenital heart disease to live well into adulthood. In some cases, signs and symptoms may not appear until later in life, even if the condition was present at birth.

Congenital heart disease often requires ongoing care throughout life, even after treatment. Regular follow up helps monitor heart function, manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications as health needs change over time.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or damaged, most often due to a buildup of cholesterol containing plaque. Over time, reduced blood flow can limit how well the heart functions and increase the risk of serious complications.

As plaque builds up, blood flow to the heart muscle may decrease, which can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue—especially with activity. In some cases, a complete blockage can cause a heart attack. Because coronary artery disease often develops gradually over many years, some people may not notice symptoms until the disease is advanced.

Care for coronary artery disease focuses on improving blood flow to the heart, reducing risk factors and preventing future heart problems. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of disease, symptoms and overall heart health.

Dyslipidemia is a condition marked by abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. It is a major risk factor for heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. Dyslipidemia often involves high low density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, low high density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, or elevated triglycerides, all of which increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Mayo Clinic Health System offers Lipid Clinics in Mankato, Eau Claire and La Crosse to help identify and manage dyslipidemia through personalized, evidence based care. Research shows that improving cholesterol levels can slow—and in some cases partially reverse—the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of future heart problems.

The Lipid Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and ongoing management of cholesterol and lipid disorders. Services may include blood testing to screen for abnormal lipid levels, explanation of test results, counseling on cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle guidance, and medication management. The care team works closely with patients to address contributing factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, inactivity, weight and family history, and may connect patients with additional Mayo Clinic Health System resources to support long term heart health.

Heart disease is a broad term used to describe several conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, heart valve disease, heart failure and congenital heart conditions. These conditions can affect the heart’s blood vessels, muscle, valves or electrical system and may interfere with how well the heart functions.

Some forms of heart disease develop gradually over time, while others may be present at birth or occur suddenly. Symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease, and some people may not experience noticeable symptoms until the condition is advanced. With early detection, lifestyle changes and appropriate medical care, many forms of heart disease can be managed effectively.

Do you know your heart disease risk?  Find out with our heart risk calculator.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This can happen when the heart becomes weakened or stiff, often as a result of conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or heart valve problems. Over time, the heart may no longer be able to keep up with the body’s needs.

Heart failure can involve the left side, right side or both sides of the heart and may develop gradually over time or begin suddenly. While heart failure is a chronic condition, treatment can improve symptoms, strengthen heart function and help people live longer with a better quality of life.

Common symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath with activity or when lying down, fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or sudden weight gain from fluid retention.

Care for heart failure focuses on managing underlying causes, relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Treatment plans are personalized and may include medications, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, procedures or implantable devices.

Heart Failure Clinic

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This can happen when the heart becomes weakened or stiff, often as a result of conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or heart valve problems. Over time, the heart may no longer be able to keep up with the body’s needs.

Heart failure can involve the left side, right side or both sides of the heart and may develop gradually over time or begin suddenly. While heart failure is a chronic condition, treatment can improve symptoms, strengthen heart function and help people live longer with a better quality of life.

Common symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath with activity or when lying down, fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or sudden weight gain from fluid retention.

Care for heart failure focuses on managing underlying causes, relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Treatment plans are personalized and may include medications, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, procedures or implantable devices.

Heart valve disease, also called valvular heart disease, occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves do not open or close properly. The heart has four valves — the aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary valves — which work together to keep blood flowing in the correct direction. When a valve does not function as it should, blood flow through the heart can be disrupted, causing the heart to work harder.

Some people with heart valve disease may not have symptoms for many years, while others may develop symptoms as the condition progresses. Common symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, swelling in the legs or feet, dizziness, fainting or an irregular heartbeat. A heart murmur is often one of the first signs detected during a physical exam.

Treatment for heart valve disease depends on which valve is affected and how severe the condition is. Some valve problems can be monitored over time, while others may require repair or replacement to improve heart function and prevent complications. Advances in imaging and treatment allow many valve conditions to be addressed with minimally invasive or catheter based approaches when appropriate.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can damage blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health problems.

High blood pressure is often called a “silent condition” because many people do not experience symptoms, even when blood pressure levels are dangerously high. Regular blood pressure checks are important, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long term complications and protect heart health.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers that remains open after birth. Before birth, this opening is normal and helps blood circulate, but it typically closes during infancy. When it does not close, it is called a PFO.

Most people with a patent foramen ovale do not have symptoms and do not require treatment. A PFO is often discovered incidentally during heart imaging done for other reasons.

In some cases, treatment may be considered if a PFO is associated with certain medical conditions, such as unexplained stroke or low blood oxygen levels. Care decisions are individualized and based on a person’s overall health and medical history.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also called peripheral arterial disease, is a circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs. PAD is commonly caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries and is often a sign of more widespread vascular disease that can also affect the heart and brain.

Common symptoms of PAD may include leg pain or cramping during walking or activity that improves with rest, numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in the lower leg or foot, or sores on the feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all. Some people may have PAD without noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Treatment for peripheral artery disease focuses on improving blood flow, relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Care may include lifestyle changes, medications and, when appropriate, procedures to open or remove blockages in affected arteries.

An ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) is a portable device that measures and records your blood pressure over a 24‑hour period or longer while you go about your normal daily activities, including sleep.

Unlike a single blood pressure reading taken in a clinic, ABPM provides a more complete picture of your blood pressure patterns throughout the day and night. The monitor uses a cuff worn on the arm that automatically inflates at set intervals to capture multiple readings over time.

ABPM may be used to:

• Confirm or evaluate high blood pressure
• Detect blood pressure changes that don’t appear during office visits
• Assess how blood pressure responds during daily activities and sleep
• Results are reviewed by your care team to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat certain heart and blood vessel conditions. During the procedure, a cardiologist guides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel to the heart to evaluate blood flow, heart function and pressures within the heart.

Cardiac catheterization procedures may be used to:

• Identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries
• Evaluate heart valve function or heart muscle performance
• Measure pressure and oxygen levels in different areas of the heart
• Perform treatments such as opening blocked arteries or placing stents when needed

Results help your care team determine the most appropriate next steps in diagnosis or treatment.

Cardiac monitoring uses small, wearable devices to record the heart’s electrical activity over an extended period of time while you go about your normal daily activities. These monitors can detect heart rhythm problems that may not appear during a brief electrocardiogram (EKG) performed in a clinic.

Cardiac monitoring may be used to:

• Evaluate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or fainting
• Detect intermittent or infrequent heart rhythm abnormalities
• Assess how well heart rhythm treatments or medications are working

Monitoring options may include short‑term continuous monitoring, such as a Holter monitor, or longer‑term monitoring over several days or weeks, depending on your symptoms and clinical needs

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels—without using radiation. This test provides precise information about heart structure, function and tissue health.

A cardiac MRI may be used to:

• Evaluate heart muscle, chambers and valves
• Assess heart function and blood flow
• Identify heart muscle damage, inflammation or scarring
• Help diagnose conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure or congenital heart disease

Cardiac MRI can provide information that may not be available from other imaging tests and is often used to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

A cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an advanced imaging test that helps show blood flow to the heart muscle and identify areas that may not be receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.

Cardiac PET scans may be used to help diagnose coronary artery disease, evaluate areas of reduced blood flow, and guide treatment decisions to restore blood flow to the heart

Cardiac PET scanning is available at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Your care team can help determine whether this test is appropriate for you and coordinate care if testing is needed at a specific location.

A coronary calcium score is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium buildup (plaque) in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The presence of calcium can be an early sign of coronary artery disease, even before symptoms develop.

Plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart attack. By measuring calcified plaque, a coronary calcium score helps your care team better understand your risk of heart disease and decide whether lifestyle changes or medications may be recommended to reduce that risk.

A coronary calcium score is most often used for people with low to moderate risk of heart disease, or when overall risk is unclear. Results can help guide prevention strategies and support informed decisions about heart health.

A coronary CT angiogram (CTA) is a noninvasive imaging test that uses advanced CT technology and contrast dye to create detailed 3D images of the heart and coronary arteries. It allows your care team to see blood vessels in motion and identify blockages or narrowing caused by plaque buildup.

A coronary CT angiogram may be used to:

• Evaluate suspected coronary artery disease
• Detect plaque or calcium deposits in the coronary arteries
• Help guide treatment decisions related to heart disease risk

Results are reviewed by your care team to determine whether additional testing, treatment or lifestyle changes may be recommended.

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It allows your care team to see how your heart is beating, how blood flows through the heart, and how well the heart’s valves and chambers are working.

An echocardiogram may be used to:

• Evaluate heart valve or heart muscle problems
• Identify the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
• Detect congenital heart conditions
• Assess heart function over time or in response to treatment

There are several types of echocardiograms, including standard transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms and more specialized exams. Your care team determines the most appropriate type based on your symptoms and clinical needs.

An electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, is a quick, painless and noninvasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is commonly used to help detect heart rhythm problems and monitor overall heart health.

During an EKG, small adhesive sensors called electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs to capture the heart’s electrical signals. These signals are displayed as a graph that your care team reviews to look for abnormalities.

An EKG may be used to help:

• Detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Evaluate chest pain or symptoms related to the heart
• Identify signs of a previous heart attack
• Monitor how well certain heart treatments or devices are working

If symptoms occur intermittently and are not captured during a standard EKG, your care team may recommend longer‑term heart rhythm monitoring.

A heart scan is a noninvasive CT imaging test that looks for calcium deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The presence of calcium can be an early sign of coronary artery disease, even before symptoms develop.

Heart scans may be used to:

• Detect early plaque buildup in the coronary arteries
• Assess risk for heart attack or other heart problems
• Help guide prevention strategies, including lifestyle changes or medication

Heart scan results help your care team better understand your heart disease risk and support informed decisions about long‑term heart health.

A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, shows how the heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes the heart pump harder and faster, a stress test can help reveal problems with blood flow to the heart or abnormal heart rhythms.

During a stress test, you typically walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while your heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. If you’re unable to exercise, medication may be used to mimic the effects of physical activity on the heart.

A stress test may be used to:

• Help diagnose coronary artery disease
• Evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
• Detect certain heart rhythm problems
• Guide treatment decisions or monitor how well treatment is working

In some cases, stress testing may be combined with imaging, such as echocardiography or nuclear imaging, to provide additional information.

Angioplasty and stent placement, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

During angioplasty, a small balloon is guided to the site of a blockage and inflated to widen the artery. A stent, which is a small wire mesh tube, is often placed at the same time to help keep the artery open and reduce the chance of it narrowing again. Most stents are coated with medication to help prevent re‑blockage.

Angioplasty and stent placement may be recommended if:

• Medications or lifestyle changes have not improved heart symptoms
• Chest pain (angina) is worsening due to reduced blood flow
• Blood flow needs to be restored quickly during a heart attack

This procedure may be planned in advance or performed as an emergency treatment, depending on a person’s condition and symptoms

Aortic valve replacement and repair are used to treat aortic valve disease when the valve does not open or close properly. Treatment is personalized based on the type and severity of disease, symptoms and overall health.

In some cases, surgeons may repair the aortic valve by separating fused valve flaps, removing excess tissue so the valve can close tightly, or patching holes in the valve. Certain valve problems may also be treated with catheter-based procedures, such as balloon valvuloplasty to widen a narrowed valve or devices used to repair leaks around a replaced valve.

When repair is not possible, aortic valve replacement may be recommended. During this procedure, the damaged valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological (tissue) valve made from cow, pig or human heart tissue. In select cases, a valve made from your own pulmonary valve may be used.

Some patients may be candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the valve using a catheter rather than open-heart surgery.

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive, catheter‑based procedure used to remove plaque buildup from narrowed or blocked arteries. It is most often used to improve blood flow in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and may also be used when plaque is hard or difficult to treat with balloon angioplasty alone.

During an atherectomy, specialized tools are guided through a blood vessel to remove plaque from the artery wall. Atherectomy may be performed on its own or combined with angioplasty and stent placement to help restore blood flow and relieve symptoms.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is a procedure used to close a hole between the heart’s upper chambers that is present from birth. Small ASDs may not require treatment, but larger or long‑standing defects can increase blood flow to the lungs and strain the heart over time.

ASD closure may be performed using a catheter‑based approach, in which a closure device is placed through a blood vessel to seal the opening, or through open‑heart surgery when needed. The type of repair depends on the size and location of the defect and a person’s overall heart health

Cardiac ablation is a treatment used to correct certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by targeting areas of heart tissue that cause abnormal electrical signals.

The procedure creates small scars using heat or cold energy to block faulty electrical pathways and help restore a more normal heart rhythm. Cardiac ablation is typically performed using thin, flexible catheters guided to the heart through a blood vessel, allowing treatment without open‑heart surgery in many cases.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program of exercise, education and support designed to help people recover from heart conditions or procedures and reduce the risk of future heart problems. It is commonly recommended after a heart attack, heart surgery or procedures such as angioplasty, valve repair or replacement.

Mayo Clinic Health System’s cardiac rehabilitation programs focus on improving physical fitness, managing risk factors and supporting long‑term heart health through personalized care plans guided by cardiac specialists. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of future heart‑related events.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also called biventricular pacing, is a treatment that helps the heart’s lower chambers beat in a more coordinated and efficient way. It uses a specialized pacemaker to send timed electrical signals to both ventricles, improving how well the heart pumps blood.

CRT may be recommended for some people with heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms whose hearts are not beating in sync. By improving coordination of the heart’s contractions, CRT can help reduce symptoms, improve heart function and support a better quality of life.

Catheter-based treatments are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions without open-heart surgery. These approaches use thin, flexible tubes guided through blood vessels to reach the heart and may be used for valve repair or replacement, closure of congenital heart defects, treatment of heart rhythm disorders, or opening blocked arteries.

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a procedure that creates a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

During bypass surgery, a healthy blood vessel from the chest, leg or arm is used to reroute blood around the blocked portion of an artery. This approach does not cure the underlying coronary artery disease, but it can reduce symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath and may lower the risk of serious heart‑related complications.

Coronary artery bypass surgery may be recommended if:

• There is a blockage in the left main coronary artery, which supplies a large portion of blood to the heart
• Multiple coronary arteries are severely narrowed, especially when the heart muscle is weakened
• Coronary angioplasty or stent placement is not an option or has not been effective

Treatment for heart disease depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Care is focused on relieving symptoms, improving heart function and reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart attack or stroke.

Mayo Clinic Health System provides personalized heart disease treatment plans that may include preventive care, diagnostic testing, interventional procedures and long‑term management to support heart health at every stage.

Heart surgery is used to treat complex or advanced heart conditions that cannot be managed with medications or minimally invasive procedures alone. This includes surgery for coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart rhythm disorders and certain congenital heart conditions.

Mayo Clinic Health System offers heart surgery performed by an experienced cardiovascular surgical team, with access to advanced techniques such as minimally invasive and catheter‑based approaches when appropriate. Surgical care is coordinated with cardiology specialists to support recovery and long‑term heart health.

Heart valve repair or replacement is used to treat heart valve disease when a valve does not open or close properly, affecting blood flow through the heart. When possible, heart valve repair is often preferred because it preserves the person’s own valve and can help maintain heart function.

Valve repair techniques may be used to restore normal valve function, such as separating fused valve flaps, removing excess tissue so the valve can close tightly, repairing or replacing supporting structures, or reinforcing the valve with an artificial ring.

If a valve cannot be repaired, heart valve replacement may be recommended. During valve replacement, the damaged valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological (tissue) valve made from cow, pig or human heart tissue. The type of valve used depends on the person’s condition, age and overall health.

Treatment decisions are individualized and based on the affected valve, the severity of disease and symptoms, and long‑term heart health goals.

Treatment for hypertension focuses on lowering blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other complications. Care may include lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress and quitting smoking, along with medications when needed.

Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular monitoring and ongoing care are important. Mayo Clinic Health System providers work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans to help achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Implantable devices are used to help manage certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by monitoring and correcting abnormal heartbeats. These small devices are placed under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the heart with thin wires.

A pacemaker helps control slow, fast or irregular heart rhythms by sending electrical impulses that prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate when needed.

An implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for people at risk of dangerous heart rhythms that begin in the lower chambers of the heart. An ICD continuously monitors heart rhythm and can deliver electrical signals or shocks to restore a normal heartbeat if a life‑threatening rhythm occurs.

Your cardiology team determines which device is appropriate based on your specific condition, symptoms and overall heart health.

Left atrial appendage closure is a procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). In AFib, blood can pool in a small pouch of the heart called the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of blood clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

The procedure works by sealing off the left atrial appendage, preventing blood from collecting there and lowering stroke risk—particularly for people who are unable to take long‑term blood‑thinning medications.

Left atrial appendage closure is performed using a minimally invasive, catheter‑based approach. A small device is guided through a blood vessel to the heart and placed to close off the appendage. Over time, heart tissue grows over the device, securing it in place and allowing it to function permanently.

Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a catheter‑based procedure used to close a small opening between the heart’s upper chambers that did not close after birth. Most people with a PFO do not need treatment, but closure may be considered in certain situations.

During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart, where a small closure device is placed to seal the opening. Over time, heart tissue grows around the device, creating a permanent closure.

PFO closure may be recommended for select individuals, such as those who have had an unexplained stroke or low blood oxygen levels, after careful evaluation by heart and neurology specialists. Treatment decisions are individualized and based on overall health and medical history.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program of exercise, education and support designed to help people with chronic lung conditions improve breathing, endurance and quality of life. It may also benefit individuals whose heart conditions affect lung function or breathing capacity.

Programs typically focus on physical conditioning, breathing techniques, education and strategies to manage symptoms and daily activities. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce shortness of breath, improve physical activity tolerance and support overall cardiopulmonary health.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is often used alongside medical treatment and may be recommended for people with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or chronic lung disease, depending on individual needs.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib) that uses short electrical pulses to target heart tissue responsible for abnormal heart rhythms.

Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or cold, PFA uses nonthermal electrical energy to selectively affect heart muscle cells while helping protect surrounding structures such as the esophagus and nearby nerves. This precision allows for effective treatment of AFib with a favorable safety profile.

Potential benefits of pulsed field ablation may include:

• Shorter procedure times
• Faster recovery
• Reduced risk to surrounding tissues

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), sometimes called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrowed and does not open fully.

TAVR may be an option for people who are not candidates for open‑heart surgery or who have a higher risk of surgical complications. The procedure can relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue, and may improve quality of life and survival for appropriate patients.

During TAVR, doctors use a catheter‑based approach to deliver a replacement valve to the heart, most often through a blood vessel in the leg. Advanced imaging guides the catheter into position, where the new valve is placed inside the existing valve and expanded to restore normal blood flow.

TAVR procedures are performed by Mayo Clinic Health System’s cardiovascular surgery teams in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, or at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Your local cardiology team coordinates consultations, diagnostic testing, and pre‑ and post‑procedure care—so you receive advanced heart care while staying close to home.

Transcatheter edge‑to‑edge repair (TEER) is a minimally invasive treatment for mitral valve regurgitation, also known as a leaky mitral valve. Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve between the heart’s chambers does not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward and reducing the amount of blood moving forward through the heart.

TEER is performed using a catheter‑based approach, in which a small device is guided through a blood vessel to the heart and attached to the mitral valve to help it close more effectively. By improving how the valve functions, TEER can restore more normal blood flow and reduce strain on the heart.

TEER may be an option for people with significant mitral valve regurgitation, including some individuals with heart failure related to heart enlargement or those who are not candidates for open‑heart surgery.

Find out if you are at risk by using this interactive cardiovascular disease calculator:

Yes. Mayo Clinic Health System provides heart care for children in Eau Claire and La Crosse. When your child needs heart care, you want answers that are clear, compassionate and close to home.

Our teams provide pediatric cardiology care for infants, children and adolescents, including evaluation and treatment of congenital heart defects, heart rhythm conditions and other heart concerns. Care is led by a pediatric cardiologist and supported by a multidisciplinary team focused on your child’s unique needs.

As part of the Mayo Clinic family, our Eau Claire and La Crosse teams collaborate with pediatric heart specialists in Rochester, Minnesota, when needed — so families in Northwest and Southwest Wisconsin can access advanced expertise while receiving care close to home

You should make an appointment with Cardiology if you have new, ongoing or worsening concerns about your heart health. Heart disease is often easier to treat when it’s found early.

Consider scheduling a cardiology appointment if you:

• Have new or unexplained symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or palpitations
• Have risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease
• Have been told by another provider that you should see a heart specialist
• Want to take steps to better understand or protect your heart health

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require immediate care or a scheduled visit, your care team can help guide you. Call to schedule an appointment or discuss your concerns.

A heart attack occurs when arteries supplying your heart with blood and oxygen become blocked. With each passing minute, more tissue is deprived of oxygen, and this tissue deteriorates or dies. Restoring blood flow within the first hour, when most damage occurs, is critical to survival.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include, but are not limited to:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain the center of your chest, lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain or discomfort in your shoulders, jaw, neck or arms.
• Lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Whether you suspect a heart attack or think it's just indigestion, act immediately. Be aware that you may not have all of these symptoms, and symptoms can come and go.

What to do if you suspect a heart attack

Follow these steps:

• Call 911 first.
• Sit quietly or lie down if you are feeling faint. Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Take a single aspirin tablet, unless you are allergic to it.

Our Emergency Department can assess your situation immediately. There, highly skilled and expertly trained emergency staff will perform tests to see if your pain is being caused by a heart attack. Within minutes, you'll be given an EKG and be evaluated by a physician. If you are having a heart attack, lifesaving treatment will begin immediately.

Mayo Clinic Health System continually monitors its response times to ensure consistency and efficiency. The ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, or STEMI, program is geared to quickly transfer and manage patients who are having a STEMI heart attack.

This type of heart attack suggests that a main artery has closed, and urgent treatment has been shown to improve survival and minimize heart damage. With one call, hospitals can activate transfer arrangements, and dedicated cardiac catheterization staff will immediately respond to ensure that you receive the most efficient and best care possible.

If the cause of your pain is uncertain, you'll remain under observation and be further evaluated to determine the cause and significance of your symptoms.

Your first appointment will include a full history evaluation. Diagnostic tests may be needed to determine next steps in your treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your care team may review preprocedural recommendations.

Appointment times vary depending on your symptoms or condition. Most initial appointments take at least 30 minutes.

Bring any imaging or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Visit our Medical Record Forms page to grant permission for others to access your protected health information or request a change to your health record.

Our Patient Account Services representatives can assist you with any issues related to billing and insurance. We also offer financial assistance if you are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship.

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

Yes. Simply call your preferred location to schedule an appointment.

After your heart treatment, we offer customized rehabilitation to match your needs. Our goal is to help you remain as active as possible at any age. We'll work with you to help you understand your condition and provide you with the tools and resources to manage it. We partner with our expert colleagues in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetes Education, Genetic Counseling, Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine and Pulmonary Rehabilitation to initiate these plans.