Aortic Stenosis
Aortic Stenosis
The aortic valve sits between the heart and the aorta. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve which restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
Aortic stenosis is one of the most common and serious valve diseases in the heart. It typically develops with age as calcium deposits build up on the valve, but it can also be present from birth or result from other health conditions. In Australia, with an aging population, the prevalence of aortic stenosis is rising, particularly among people aged over 55 years. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to managing the condition and preventing potential life-threatening complications.
In Australia, it’s estimated that over 97,000 people aged over 55 years live with severe aortic stenosis. Of these, many remain undiagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage (BMC Health Services Research, 2021). Due to an aging population, it is expected that the number of individuals affected by this condition will rise significantly in the coming decades. Timely access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options can drastically improve the quality of life for those affected by aortic stenosis.
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Things you want to know
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Fatigue or weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Difficulty exercising or performing physical tasks
- Age-related degeneration: Calcium deposits build up on the aortic valve over time, causing it to stiffen.
- Congenital heart defect: Some individuals are born with an abnormal aortic valve, such as a bicuspid valve.
- Rheumatic fever: This can cause scarring and stiffening of the aortic valve, leading to stenosis.
- Radiation therapy: Rarely, radiation exposure to the chest can damage the valve.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): The primary test to evaluate the structure and function of the aortic valve and measure the severity of stenosis.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Used to check for heart abnormalities that could be related to aortic stenosis.
- Cardiac CT: Provides detailed images to assess valve calcification and plan for possible interventions.
- Chest X-ray: May show changes in the size or shape of the heart due to aortic stenosis.
- Cardiac catheterisation: An invasive procedure to measure the pressure inside the heart and the severity of the valve narrowing.
- Heart failure: If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to heart muscle weakening and eventual heart failure.
- Syncope: Severe aortic stenosis can cause people to black out.
- Stroke: Blood flow changes due to valve abnormalities may increase the risk of stroke.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can develop as a result of valve disease and associated heart muscle strain.
- Infection: Patients with aortic stenosis are at higher risk of developing endocarditis, an infection of the heart valve.
- Lifestyle changes and monitoring: For mild cases, regular monitoring and heart-healthy lifestyle changes may be recommended.
- Medications: While no medications can cure aortic stenosis, drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms or reduce complications.
- Aortic valve replacement: The most definitive treatment, this can be performed through open-heart surgery or a less invasive approach called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
- Balloon valvuloplasty: A temporary solution, a balloon is used to widen the valve, but this procedure is usually reserved for those who cannot undergo valve replacement surgery.
Commonly Asked Questions
While age-related aortic stenosis cannot be prevented, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Some forms of aortic stenosis, particularly those related to congenital heart defects like a bicuspid aortic valve, can have a hereditary component. This can be determined on the echocardiogram, and your cardiologist will discuss this with you if it is identified.
Untreated severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist, typically yearly, are crucial for monitoring the progression of the disease.
Recovery time can vary but typically involves a hospital stay of several days to a week, followed by several weeks of rehabilitation and gradual return to normal activities. If you have concerns about aortic stenosis or related symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. In mild cases, regular physical activity may be recommended, but in severe cases, strenuous exercise might be restricted.
