Aortic valve stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve. The aortic valve allows blood to flow from the heart's lower left chamber (ventricle) into the aorta and to the body. Stenosis prevents the valve from opening properly, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through the valve. This causes pressure to build up in the left ventricle and thickens the heart muscle.

Your heart can make up for aortic valve stenosis and the extra pressure for a long time. But at some point, it may not be able to keep up the extra effort of pumping blood through the narrowed valve. This can lead to heart failure.

Aortic valve stenosis is a slow process. For many years, even decades, you may not feel any symptoms. But at some point, the valve may become so narrow that you start having symptoms. Symptoms are often brought on by exercise, when the heart has to work harder.

As aortic valve stenosis gets worse, you may have symptoms such as:

• Being short of breath, especially when you're active.
• Chest pain or pressure (angina). You may have a heavy, tight feeling in your chest.
• Feeling dizzy or faint.
• Feeling tired.

A physical exam and review of your medical history are important first steps in diagnosing aortic valve stenosis. If you have stenosis but no symptoms, your doctor will likely find the condition during a routine exam or a checkup for another health problem.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure and pulse and will listen for abnormal sounds, such as a heart murmur. A distinctive heart murmur is usually the first clue that leads a doctor to suspect aortic valve stenosis. You may have tests, including an electrocardiogram.

An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis. It can also show how severe your aortic valve stenosis is and see how well the left ventricle of your heart is working.

Your treatment will likely depend on how much the valve is narrowed and if you have symptoms. If you have mild or moderate aortic valve stenosis and you don't have symptoms, your doctor will see you regularly to check your heart.

You may take medicine that lowers blood pressure or cholesterol. Your doctor will likely recommend a heart-healthy lifestyle. This lifestyle means that you:

• Don't smoke.
• Eat heart-healthy foods.
• Be active. Ask your doctor what level and type of exercise is safe for you.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Manage other health problems.

If you have severe stenosis, you may choose to have the valve replaced. Valve replacement can be done with an open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Valve replacement can help you feel better and live longer.

Some people may have another procedure called valvuloplasty to widen the valve and help relieve symptoms.

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Call your doctor if you have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
• Be active. Ask your doctor what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
• Do not smoke.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Manage other health problems. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
• Take care of your teeth and gums. Get regular dental checkups. Good dental health is important because bacteria can spread from infected teeth and gums to the heart valves.