Your heart has 4 valves-the aortic, mitral, tricuspid and pulmonic valves. They help move blood through your heart to your lungs where it picks up oxygen and then moves to the rest of the body. Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing or failure of the aortic valve. Over time the valve will become progressively narrowed making your heart work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. Some people are born with heart valve disorders and others develop them overtime. Approximately 2.5 million Americans over the age of 75 are affected by aortic stenosis.
What to watch for
It is common for people to mistake signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis as signs of aging. As this is a progressive disease it may take longer for you to notice that you have symptoms.
Common symptoms may include:
- Shortness of Breath, particularly with activity
- Chest Pain
- Fatigue (Low energy)
- Lightheadedness, dizziness and or fainting
- Difficulty doing activities that were once easy for you or taking longer to complete them
- Swollen feet, ankles and/or legs
- Rapid, fluttering heartbeat
Progression
When your provider hears a heart murmur or is concerned about your symptoms, they will order an echocardiogram. This test is an ultrasound of your heart that can help detect aortic stenosis and other abnormalities. This test is needed to determine the severity of narrowing in your aortic valve. The photo below shows the progression of aortic stenosis over time. Once in the severe stage the only definitive treatment option is replacing your valve.
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What is Heart Valve Failure? Heart Valve Failure Patient (treatheartvalvefailure.com)
Causes and Treatment
The reason why some people develop aortic stenosis, and others don’t is not well understood. There are a few known causes that increase your risk for aortic valve stenosis: being born with a bicuspid valve (having two valve leaflets instead of three), family history of heart valve disease or a history of rheumatic fever. Aortic stenosis can also develop because of calcium build up on the valve over time. There are certain lifestyle factors that may increase your risk including smoking, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol.
It’s important to note that consuming calcium orally does not cause this condition.
There are several factors that determine what type of valve replacement procedure is best for you. Patients with severe aortic stenosis should be evaluated by a heart valve specialist to determine what testing and treatment options are available to you.
