Human heart valves are remarkable structures. These tissue-paper thin membranes attached to the heart wall constantly open and close to regulate blood flow (causing the sound of a heartbeat). When there is a narrowing of your heart's aortic valve opening, this is known as aortic stenosis. This narrowing does not allow normal blood flow. It is most often caused by age-related calcification, but can be caused by a birth defect, rheumatic fever, or radiation therapy.
There are four valves that control the flow of blood through your heart. One of which is called the aortic valve.
Calcification is the process that refers to the build-up of calcium on the heart's valves. In elderly patients, aortic stenosis is sometimes caused by the build-up of calcium (mineral deposits) on the aortic valve’s leaflets. Over time the leaflets become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close. When the leaflets don’t fully open, your heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to your body. Eventually, your heart gets weaker - increasing the risk of heart failure (your heart cannot supply enough blood to your body).
Severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (symptomatic means when you are showing symptoms) is a life threatening condition that progresses rapidly and can lead to sudden death. Without treatment, half of the people who are feeling symptoms die within an average of two years.1,2
This information is not a substitute for talking with your doctor.
Treatment for severe aortic stenosis
Today, there are multiple treatment options for aortic valve stenosis. For people who have been diagnosed with severe symptomatic calcified native aortic valve stenosis and who are high-risk or too sick for open-heart surgery, a new option is now available - transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is a less invasive procedure that does not require open-heart surgery.
Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve, which limits the aortic valve’s leaflet ability to fully open and close. Valve leaflets are flaps of tissue that open and close to regulate the one-way flow of blood through the aortic valve. As a result, less oxygen-rich blood to flow from the lungs to the brain and rest of the body, which may cause symptoms like severe shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. It's important to know that heart valve disease may occur with no outward symptoms.
The symptoms of aortic disease are commonly misunderstood by patients as ‘normal’ signs of aging. Many patients initially appear asymptomatic, but on closer examination up to 37% exhibit symptoms.
Click here to use the Symptom Checklist. You can print a copy to bring with you to your next doctor appointment.
Symptom ChecklistWhat are the signs of aortic stenosis?
You may notice symptoms like:
Major risk factors
Factors associated with aortic valve disease include the following:3
If you are experiencing symptoms, consult a cardiologist right away.
Aortic stenosis is life threatening and progresses rapidly1
Over time the leaflets (flaps of tissue that open and close to regulate the one-way flow of blood through the aortic valve) become stiff due to calcium (mineral) deposits, reducing your leaflets ability to fully open and close. When your leaflets don’t fully open, your heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to your body.
Eventually, your heart muscle gets weaker - increasing the risk of heart failure (your heart cannot supply enough blood to your body). If you have severe aortic valve stenosis, you'll most likely need surgery to replace the aortic valve. Left untreated, aortic valve stenosis can lead to sudden death.
Some patients with aortic stenosis may not show any symptoms. However, once you begin experiencing symptoms, prompt treatment becomes necessary. Severe aortic stenosis is a very serious problem. Without treatment, half of the people who are feeling symptoms die within an average of two years.2
Click here to use the Symptom Checklist. You can print a copy to bring with you to your next doctor appointment.
Symptom ChecklistTreatment for severe aortic stenosis
Today, there are multiple treatment options for aortic valve stenosis. For people who have been diagnosed with severe symptomatic calcified native aortic valve stenosis and who are high-risk or too sick for open-heart surgery, another option is now available - transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is a less invasive procedure that does not require open-heart surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and are experiencing any symptoms, consult a cardiologist right away.
In addition to a physical exam, your cardiologist may use some of the tests below to diagnose heart valve disease:
Auscultation - Your cardiologist will use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of your heart.
Echocardiography - This test uses ultrasound waves to obtain images of the heart chambers and valves.
Cardiac catheterization (angiography) - Under X-ray guidance, small hollow tubes (catheters) are advanced to the aortic valve and into the left ventricle. The rate of blood flow across the aortic valve and pressures can be measured.
Chest X-ray - A chest X-ray usually shows a normal heart shadow. If heart failure is present, fluid in the lung tissue and larger blood vessels in the upper lung regions are often seen.
Electrocardiography (also EKG) - An EKG is a recording of the heart's electrical activity using electrodes attached to your skin. An EKG can show the heart’s rhythm, the heart’s rate, and the strength and timing of the electrical currents.
Call or see your doctor whenever you have questions or concerns about your health, especially if you experience any symptoms or unusual changes in your overall health.
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