Aortic Stenosis Causes and Treatment

The heart contains four valves for blood circulation. Sometimes, the heart valves do not work as desired. One such condition is aortic valve stenosis. It is when one of the valves located right next to the heart does not open wide enough. Usually, the valve opens to let blood from the heart into the aorta, which takes the blood to most of the body. With stenosis, this opening narrows. It slows the flow of blood from the heart pumping into this large artery, restricting the flow of blood to the rest of the body. Over time, it pushes the heart to work harder. When left untreated, it can trigger severe complications.

Causes

The top causes include:

1. Calcium Deposition – Over time, calcium may deposit on the heart valves. This can stiffen it. Consequently, the valves cannot open or shut properly.
2. Congenital Heart Diseases – A standard aortic valve contains three cusps. Some are born with only one, two, or four cusps. This irregularity can induce aortic stenosis.
3. Rheumatic Fever – Strep throat infection can leave a scar tissue on the valve. It may narrow the valve. Consequently, blood flow reduces.

Symptoms

Typically, the signs remain latent for years. Symptoms manifest as the disease progresses.

Common signs include:

1. Heart palpitations
2. Heart murmur
3. Chest pain (angina)
4. Syncope or dizziness
5. Fatigue
6. Shortness of breath

Unless treated, the symptoms may evolve into life-threatening complications.

Potential Complications

When the aortic valve does not open, it becomes hard for the heart to pump blood, and this increases the risk of:

1. Heart failure
2. Arrhythmia
3. Cardiac arrest
4. Fainting

Diagnosis

A heart murmur is usually the basis of diagnosis. However, to be sure, doctors can have patients take tests such as:

1. Echocardiogram
2. Exercise Stress Test
3. Electrocardiogram
4. Cardiac Catheterisation

Treatment

Treatment varies with severity. Some top options include:

1. Drugs and Lifestyle Change

Drugs do not treat aortic stenosis; they merely palliate. For less severe cases, doctors manage symptoms and prevent complications with:

A. Cholesterol and blood pressure management

High cholesterol results in calcium accumulation in the aortic valve. This can aggravate over time. So, cholesterol management can help with disease progression.

Likewise, hypertension also puts pressure on the heart. Consequently, it gets difficult for the heart to pump blood through narrowed valves. Thus, with blood pressure management, one can reduce stains on the heart.

B. Exercise and diet to live a heart-healthy life

Physical activity helps with cardiovascular health. Some activities one can indulge in are:

• Swimming
• Jogging
• Running
• Aerobics

As for the healthy foods:

1. Consume low sodium foods
2. Avoid foods with high fat content
3. Cut processed foods from the pantry

These can increase cholesterol levels. Consider eating more lean proteins and healthy foods.

2. Surgical and Interventional Therapies

With progressively deteriorating cases, even surgery can be needed.

Top options include:

1. Aortic Valve Repair: Restoration of valve function
2. Balloon Valvuloplasty: A non-surgical procedure that opens the valve

3. TAVR

And when that valve loosens and begins malfunctioning, the surgeon will replace it with either a mechanical valve or one constructed of living cells—biological prosthesis—so that it operates more smoothly.

TAVR is a new technique that’s less theatric than going the big open-heart surgery route. It’s excellent for individuals who don’t want to have their big open-heart surgery with an excessive use of drugs.

Conclusion

Treatment and diagnosis in the early stage make a significant difference in the long run and health. To avoid complications, visit a doctor immediately if you have the symptoms of aortic stenosis.

To get expert care, visit Dr Raghu, the best cardiologist in Hyderabad. He holds extensive experience in the best aortic stenosis treatment.