What you need to know about aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis, a serious and progressive heart valve disease, impacts many individuals, particularly those over the age of 80, though symptoms can emerge as early as a person’s 50s or 60s. The condition involves the narrowing of the aortic valve, a critical component of the heart responsible for ensuring blood efficiently flows to the brain and all vital organs.

Understanding Aortic Stenosis

According to Dr. Ahmed Elkaryoni, a cardiologist at Memorial Health, the heart contains four valves – two on the right side and two on the left. The aortic valve, located on the left side, is central to distributing blood throughout the body. As people age, calcium can deposit on this valve, causing it to stiffen and narrow.

Did You Know? The aortic valve’s primary function is to deliver blood to the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, and all other organs.

Dr. Elkaryoni explains that this narrowing progresses through stages – mild, moderate, and severe – over years. Unfortunately, there are currently no medications available to halt this progression. As the stenosis worsens, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to sudden cardiac death.

recognising the Symptoms

In its early stages, aortic stenosis often presents no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition advances, individuals may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In severe cases, a lack of blood flow to the brain can even cause loss of consciousness.

The rate of progression varies significantly from person to person. Dr. Elkaryoni notes that, on average, the valve tends to tighten incrementally every six months, increasing the speed of blood flow through the narrowing. This progression is monitored using echocardiograms.

Expert Insight: The progressive nature of aortic stenosis underscores the importance of regular cardiac check-ups, particularly for individuals in the at-risk age groups, to monitor valve function and assess the need for intervention.

Treatment Options

For many years, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) – an open-chest procedure – was the primary treatment option. However, this approach may not be suitable for elderly or frail patients. A new, less invasive option, known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is anticipated to become available at Memorial Health in the near future.

The timing of treatment is crucial. Once aortic stenosis reaches the severe stage, intervention is necessary. Regular echocardiograms – every six months when progressing from moderate to severe – are vital for tracking the condition’s advancement and determining the appropriate course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes aortic stenosis?

According to Dr. Elkaryoni, aortic stenosis is often caused by calcium deposition on the aortic valve with aging.

Are there any warning signs I should be aware of?

Symptoms can include lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Some individuals may experience loss of consciousness in severe cases.

How often should I be checked for aortic stenosis?

If you are in the mild to moderate range, you should get an echocardiogram every six months once you reach the moderate to severe range.

Considering the potential for serious complications, what steps can individuals take to proactively monitor their heart health and discuss potential risks with their healthcare providers?