Aortic stenosis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a disorder in the opening of the aortic valve of the heart that is not fully open or narrows, thus preventing the flow of blood from the heart.

Valves function like doors, and the aortic valve is one of the four valves that control blood flow in the heart. The normal aortic valve has three closing strands. The heart sends oxygen-rich blood to the body through this valve.

What happens when a person has aortic stenosis is that the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through the valve with this narrow opening. Over time, the heart will get bigger and weaker. This condition can then endanger the life of the sufferer.

How common is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is common. Occurs about three times more often in men than in women. And it is more common in old people.

Aortic stenosis is a disease that can be controlled by reducing risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis?

The signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis may not be noticeable in the early stages. When the valve becomes smaller, blood flow will decrease and trigger symptoms such as:

• Chest pain that spreads to the arms and throat
• Cough, sometimes with blood
• Feel tired
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath is caused by left heart failure
• Breathing problems during exercise can develop into breathing problems at rest; wake up at night unable to breathe
• Fast heart rate

There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you are nervous about a symptom, contact your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Recently had heart valve surgery;
• Bloody surgery wound
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations
• Fainting
• Body feels weak
• Vision problems
• High fever

Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always good to discuss with your doctor what is best for you.

Cause

What causes aortic stenosis?

The main cause of aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve. There are many factors that can cause narrowing of the aortic valve. These factors are:

• Congenital heart defects: some children are born with an underdeveloped aortic valve. Usually a normal aortic valve has three closing strands. A defective aortic valve may only have 1 flap (unicuspid), 2 shut-off pieces (bicusbid) or 4 flaps (quadricuspid). This should not cause problems until the children grow up.
• Calcium buildup on valves: The aortic valve can collect calcium deposits from the blood. As you age, the buildup of calcium will cause the aortic valve to harden and stiffen, which leads to narrowing of the valve. It is common in men over 65 years and women over 75 years.
• Rheumatic fever: One of the complications of rheumatic fever is that it causes tissue lesions to develop on the aortic valve. These tissue injuries can constrict the valve and make it easier for calcium deposits to build up. Aortic stenosis can occur in the future.

Risk factors

What increases your risk of aortic stenosis?

Risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing aortic stenosis are:

• Aortic valve defects: These defects put you at greater risk and are usually discovered when you are born. Tell your doctor if you have a congenital heart defect.
• Age: The older you get, the higher your risk of having calcium buildup on the aortic valve.
• Have had rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever can cause your aortic valve to harden, which puts you at an increased risk of developing aortic stenosis.
• History of chronic renal failure and diabetes: Experts have found an association between chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus and aortic stenosis. Tell your doctor if you have this condition.
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoke

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are your treatment options for aortic stenosis?

People with mild stenosis and symptoms do not need treatment but should be monitored at regular intervals by their doctor. For patients with symptoms, the following treatments may be needed:

• Drug treatment: There is no drug that can stop aortic stenosis. But your doctor can prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms. These medications will help control fluid storage in the heart, lower the heart rate unit, and lower blood pressure. This will slow the progression of stenosis.

When symptoms get worse, the only option is to repair the valve. The ways are:

• Balloon valvuloplasty: this treatment is a rare option for severe aortic stenosis. Damaged aortic valve can be replaced by a mechanical or tissue valve. The risk of having a mechanical valve is increased blood clots. You may need an anticoagulant. Tissue valves are made from cows, pigs, or donors from other people. The risk of tissue valve is that aortic stenosis can recur.
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: is the most common treatment for aortic stenosis. During the process, the prosthesis valve (made of your own tissue) will be inserted into a catheter bubble. The tissue used to make the valve prosthesis is usually taken from the leg or left ventricle of the heart. This method is usually a backup for patients with complicated acute aortic stenosis and should avoid surgery.

What are the most common tests for aortic stenosis?

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor can also perform the following tests to diagnose aortic stenosis:

• ECG
• Treadmill test
• Left cardio catheterization
• MRI of the heart
• Transesopagheal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can be done to help control aortic stenosis?

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies can be made to treat aortic stenosis:

• Ask your doctor if you can exercise and determine which exercise is right for you.
• Quit smoking.
• Start a low-salt diet and lose weight if you have hereditary heart failure.
• Call your doctor if, after getting a new valve, you have chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding or rapid heartbeat, fainting, sudden weakness in your arms or legs, vision problems, fever, or bleeding from the marks operation.
• Treating other diseases that can trigger aortic stenosis such as rheumatic fever or high blood pressure.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor about the best solution for your condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.