Disease Insights: aortic-valve-stenosis
Welcome to the ultimate guide on aortic valve stenosis. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for aortic valve stenosis
A narrowing of the aortic valve, reducing blood flow from the heart to the body.
Symptoms of aortic valve stenosis
chest pain, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath
Precautions for aortic valve stenosis
Monitor heart function regularly, Take prescribed heart medications, Avoid excessive physical exertion, Follow a heart-healthy diet
Questions Covered:
- what is aortic valve stenosis?
- What are the usual symptoms of aortic valve stenosis?
- causes of aortic valve stenosis?
- What are the potential risk factors associated with aortic valve stenosis?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has aortic valve stenosis, diagnosis?
Answers:
Question: what is aortic valve stenosis?
Aortic valve stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows and doesn't open as it should. It can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, especially after exertion.
Aortic stenosis limits the amount of blood pumped from your heart into and out of the aorta. This is the main artery of the body. The aortic valve is a key valve in the body's blood circulation system.
Untreated, aortic valve stenosis can be serious or deadly. Early treatment options aim to help slow disease progression or repair or replace the narrowed valve.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for aortic valve stenosis.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of aortic valve stenosis?
You may not experience symptoms of aortic valve stenosis until the disease progresses and becomes severe. The asymptomatic period may last as long as 10 to 20 years
. Some people may not experience any symptoms.
Symptoms of severe aortic valve stenosis can include:
chest pain
feeling tired after exertion
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially after exertion
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
difficulty sleeping, or only being able to sleep sitting up
heart palpitations, or abnormal heartbeats
a heart murmur, which is an abnormal swooshing sound produced by the heart as it beats
a reduced ability to do your typical activities, including walking short distances
swollen ankles or feet
Question:
Infants and children may have different symptoms from adults, or they may not appear to display any symptoms at all. If they do display symptoms, these may include:
inability to put on weight
poor feeding or eating
becoming easily fatigued
breathing issues
In severe cases, an infant may have significant breathing difficulties that develop within weeks of birth. Without treatment, mild cases can potentially worsen as the child gets older.
Question: causes of aortic valve stenosis?
Congenital heart defects, age-related damage, and certain health conditions may prevent the aortic valve from completing its proper functions.
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever is a common cause
of heart valve problems in developing countries without effective antibiotic treatment. Rheumatic fever may affect many parts of the body, including the:
brain
joints
heart
skin
Rheumatic fever can occur in adults and children who have or have had strep throat. Strep throat is a contagious condition caused by Streptococcus bacteria.
Calcification of the valves
Aortic valve stenosis can happen due to calcium buildup (calcification) or scarring of the aortic valve. Aortic valve stenosis may occur in as many as 20% of older adults, according to the American Heart Association
. It is most common in people age 65 and older.
While your body needs calcium for strong bones, the mineral may lead to problems in your heart if it deposits in the aortic valve. Calcium deposits usually affect the leaflets of the aortic valve. They can prevent the aortic valve from properly opening and closing.
Improperly functioning aortic valve leaflets may also allow blood to leak back into the left ventricle after it enters the aorta. This is called valvular insufficiency or regurgitation.
It may also be more common
in people with certain health conditions, including lupus and end-stage renal disease.
Heart defect
Children may experience aortic valve stenosis due to a heart defect where the aortic valve doesn't develop properly. When it is, the aortic valve's flaps, or 'leaflets,' irregularly formed. Typically, these leaflets make up the opening of the aortic valve. When functioning properly, they fit together tightly when closed.
Children born with aortic valve stenosis usually have one of the following irregularities in their aortic valve leaflets:
There are only one or two leaflets.
The leaflets don't separate properly.
The leaflets are too thick or still to completely open or close.
Having an aortic valve with only two leaflets (a bicuspid aortic valve) can lead to increased calcification and then aortic stenosis.
Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with aortic valve stenosis?
The risk factors for aortic valve stenosis include:
Age
Adults over age 65
may be more likely to develop aortic valve stenosis.
Genetics
Children born with either malformed valve leaflets or fewer than three leaflets typically have problems with sufficient blood flow through the aorta.
Disease
Rheumatic fever can produce significant problems with the valve leaflets. Scar tissue from the disease can make the leaflets hard or even fused together. Rheumatic fever can damage:
heart tissue
valves
coronary arteries
Risk factors for quick progression
Some factors can cause aortic valve stenosis to progress more quickly. These can include:
a high BMI
tobacco use
metabolic syndrome
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has aortic valve stenosis, diagnosis?
After reporting your symptoms to a doctor, you may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). They typically check your physical condition with a thorough examination. This includes listening to your heart for any abnormal sounds. A doctor typically orders an echocardiogram to view the condition of the heart chambers and heart valves.
The doctor may order additional tests to show what's happening inside your heart. These tests may include:
cardiac catheterization, which uses dye to assess the pressure and flow of blood through the heart chambers
other imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, chest MRI, or CT scan of your heart
a stress test
blood test for inflammation of the heart valve (endocarditis) or rheumatic fever
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Additional Information and Resources:
Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about aortic valve stenosis is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.