Aortic Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors And Treatment

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve does not open fully. This limits the amount of blood that can flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and into the body. Aortic stenosis can happen gradually as the valve's leaflets thicken and calcified with age. In some people, it develops more quickly because of an illness or injury. The condition is most common in older adults but it can occur at any age. 

Aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, stroke or sudden cardiac death. If you have symptoms of aortic stenosis, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, see your doctor. To diagnose aortic stenosis, your doctor will do a physical exam and order tests, such as an echocardiogram (echo) or cardiac MRI. Treatment for aortic stenosis usually involves surgical repair or replacement of the valve.

Aortic stenosis is most often caused by calcium deposits on the aortic valve. The condition can be diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment for aortic stenosis may include medication, surgery or lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

If you or someone you love has any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away:

Shortness of breath: This is often the first symptom of aortic stenosis. You may feel winded after activities you used to do without problem, such as walking up stairs.

Fatigue: Aortic stenosis can make your heart work harder than normal. This can leave you feeling tired and weak.

Chest pain: This may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. It can happen during any activity or while resting and may get worse over time.

Irregular heartbeat: Aortic stenosis can cause your heart to beat faster or irregularly. You may feel this as palpitations or fluttering in your chest.

Causes of Aortic Stenosis

Several conditions can cause aortic stenosis. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Other causes include:

i) Congenital heart defects: Aortic stenosis can be present at birth if the valves do not form properly.

ii) Rheumatic fever: This inflammatory disease can damage the valves.

iii) Infections: Infections such as endocarditis can damage the valves.

iv) Trauma: Injury to the chest or heart can damage the valves.

Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is usually diagnosed with a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as echocardiography. A heart MRI or CT scan may also diagnose aortic stenosis. Once diagnosed, treatment for aortic stenosis typically involves surgery to repair or replace the narrowed valve.

Aortic Stenosis Treatment

There are two main types of aortic stenosis - valvular and subvalvular. Valvular aortic stenosis is the most common type, accounting for about 95% of all cases. It occurs when the valve leaflets become thickened and calcified, restricting blood flow through the valve. Subvalvular aortic stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of the aorta below the valve, which can be caused by abnormal muscle or fibrous tissue growth.

Aortic stenosis treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the condition is severe, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. The most common treatment for severe aortic stenosis is surgical valve replacement. This involves replacing the damaged valve with a new artificial valve. In some cases, balloon valvotomy may open up the valve without surgery. This procedure is only suitable for patients who are too ill to have surgery.

Prevention of Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a progressive condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the progression of the disease. There are several measures that can be taken to prevent aortic stenosis. Take a look:

• Avoiding risk factors for the development of aortic stenosis, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and diabetes.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking.
• Having regular checkups with your doctor so that any changes in your health can be detected early.

If you have already been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, there are treatments available to slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. These include:

• Medications such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors can help to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow through the narrowed valve.
• Surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve. This is often recommended for people who are symptomatic or at risk for complications from aortic stenosis.

Risk Factors of Aortic Stenosis

As mentioned earlier, aortic stenosis is most commonly caused by age-related changes in the valve, such as calcification. Other risk factors for aortic stenosis include:

• Inherited conditions, such as bicuspid aortic valve
• Rheumatic fever
• Previous heart surgery
• Kidney diseases
• Infective endocarditis and other conditions that can affect the heart's health
• Congenital heart defects present at the time of birth
• Past radiation therapy in the chest area

If you have any of the risk factors listed above, you must talk to your doctor about your risk for aortic stenosis.

Conclusion

Aortic stenosis is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. If you think you may be suffering from aortic stenosis, it is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment and start living a healthier life.

While certain risk factors can help you understand if you are likely to develop aortic stenosis, conducting regular checkups and tests is the best way to avoid further complications. Your doctor will recommend MRI and CT scans to rule out the conditions. 

You can rely on Metropolis Healthcare for world-class MRI and CT scans, as all our diagnostic centres are equipped with the best machines and equipment. Our experienced lab employees have been in the industry for many years, making them highly qualified to conduct all the tests. Contact us today to learn about all the tests we offer at the best prices.