Introduction
Aortic stenosis is one of the most common and serious heart valve diseases. It occurs when the aortic valve - the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the body - becomes narrowed or stiff. Over time, this narrowing makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting spells.
While aortic stenosis can be life-threatening if untreated, modern surgical and minimally invasive treatments have dramatically improved outcomes. This guide explains what patients and families need to know about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Aortic Stenosis?
The aortic valve normally opens fully with each heartbeat, allowing blood to flow freely into the body. In aortic stenosis, the valve becomes narrowed due to calcium buildup, congenital abnormalities (like a bicuspid valve), or scarring from other conditions.
This narrowing increases pressure inside the heart, forcing it to work harder. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart muscle and cause serious complications.
Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis
Many people with mild aortic stenosis may not have symptoms for years. As the condition worsens, symptoms often include:
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Dizziness or fainting (especially with exertion)
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Heart palpitations
In advanced cases, untreated aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death.
How Aortic Stenosis Is Diagnosed
Doctors use several tests to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis:
- Physical exam: A heart murmur is often the first sign.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart): The gold standard for diagnosing valve narrowing and measuring severity.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks for rhythm problems.
- CT scan or cardiac catheterization: May be used to plan surgery or TAVR.
Regular monitoring is crucial, even if symptoms are mild.
Treatment Options for Aortic Stenosis
Treatment depends on the severity of valve narrowing and the patient’s overall health.
1. Watchful Waiting
If stenosis is mild or moderate without symptoms, doctors may recommend regular checkups and echocardiograms to track changes.
2. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
For many patients, open-heart surgery to replace the valve is the standard treatment. Surgeons may use either a mechanical valve (durable, but requires lifelong blood thinners) or a biological tissue valve (more natural, but may wear out over time).
3. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
A less invasive procedure available for many patients, TAVR involves inserting a new valve through a catheter in the leg artery. TAVR has become a preferred option for older adults or those at higher surgical risk.
4. Balloon Valvuloplasty (Rarely Used)
This procedure uses a balloon to stretch the narrowed valve. It may provide temporary relief but is usually not a long-term solution.
Lifestyle and Recovery
After treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Important aspects of recovery include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation to regain strength safely
- Heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats
- Medication adherence (especially if on blood thinners)
- Follow-up care with cardiology and surgery teams
Prognosis and Why Timely Treatment Matters
Without treatment, severe aortic stenosis has a poor prognosis once symptoms develop. However, with modern valve replacement techniques, survival and quality of life improve dramatically.
Early detection, regular follow-up, and choosing the right treatment at the right time are key to successful outcomes.
Aortic stenosis is a serious but highly treatable condition. With today’s surgical and minimally invasive options, patients can expect excellent outcomes when treatment is timed appropriately.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, don’t wait - schedule a consultation to understand your treatment options and next steps.
---
Learn more about how Verus helps patients make confident decisions:
