“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Aortic valve stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve in the heart becomes narrow, restricting the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The narrowed valve can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, and fatigue.
Aortic valve stenosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, a previous heart valve infection, congenital heart defects, and calcium buildup on the valve.
Treatment for aortic valve stenosis depends on the severity of the stenosis and the presence of symptoms. In mild cases, lifestyle changes, such as managing blood pressure and avoiding tobacco, may be sufficient to manage symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery to repair or replace the aortic valve may be necessary.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of aortic valve stenosis, as prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the severity of your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you. In some cases, regular monitoring of the condition may be recommended to track any changes in the stenosis over time.
Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. These valves include the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve and aortic valve. Each valve has flaps (cusps or leaflets) that open and close once during each heartbeat. Sometimes, the valves don't open or close properly. If a valve doesn't fully open or close, blood flow is reduced or blocked.
In aortic valve stenosis, the aortic valve between the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle) and the aorta does not open completely. The area through which blood moves out of the heart to the aorta is narrowed (stenosis).
When the aortic valve opening is narrowed, your heart must work harder to pump enough blood into the aorta and to the rest of your body. The extra work of the heart can cause the left ventricle to thicken and enlarge. Eventually the strain can cause a weakened heart muscle and can ultimately lead to heart failure and other serious problems.
Aortic valve stenosis causes include:
Some possible ways to prevent aortic valve stenosis include:
Once you know that you have aortic valve stenosis, your doctor may recommend that you limit strenuous activity to avoid overworking your heart.
Treatment for aortic valve stenosis depends on your signs and symptoms and the severity of the condition.
If you have mild symptoms or none at all, you may only need to have your condition monitored with regular doctor's appointments. Your doctor may recommend healthy lifestyle changes and medications to treat symptoms or reduce the risk of complications.
You may eventually need surgery to repair or replace the diseased aortic valve, even if you don't have symptoms. Aortic valve surgery may be done at the same time as other heart surgery.
Surgery to repair or replace an aortic valve is usually done through a cut (incision) in the chest. Less invasive approaches may be available. Ask your doctor if you're a candidate for these procedures. Aortic valve surgery may be done at the same time as other heart surgery.
Surgery options for aortic valve stenosis include: