Heart palpitations
Types of valve disease
Aortic stenosis1,2
Aortic Stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve, which controls blood
flow from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes narrowed or blocked.
In case of Aortic Stenosis, the aortic valve becomes narrower or stiffer, which can make it harder for blood to flow through the valve and into the aorta.
As the aortic valve becomes narrower, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the valve and into the aorta. This can cause the left ventricle of the heart to become thicker and less flexible, which can eventually lead to heart failure if left untreated.1
Did you know, 1 in 8 people over the age of 75 are affected by Aortic Stenosis?2
What is the main cause of Aortic Stenosis?
Age related calcium build up on the aortic valve: Calcium can leave our bones and move into the wrong places as we get older, and the most common cause of Aortic Stenosis is calcium building up on the valve making it stiff and restricting the amount of blood that can flow through.3
There are several other causes (but these are less common):
- Congenital heart conditions: If you were born with a heart valve, such as bicuspid aortic valve disease, your risk of developing Aortic Stenosis increases
- Infective endocarditis: Endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the heart valves where bacteria somewhere in the body gets into the bloodstream.
- Rheumatic fever: This rare complication of strep throat infection may damage the aortic valve.3
Aortic Stenosis Symptoms3, 4
You may have Aortic Stenosis and not experience symptoms for many years. As it becomes more severe, your symptoms may include:
Shortness of breath
Sudden weight gain
Trouble doing usual activities/exercise
Dizziness of fainting
Chest pain
Ankle swelling
Extreme tiredness
Fever or night sweats
In the mild and moderate stages of Aortic Stenosis, the decrease in blood flow is usually not significant enough to cause obvious symptoms. In fact, many people are unaware they have the condition as symptoms can often be mistaken as normal signs of aging. When Aortic Stenosis becomes severe, it means that the narrowing of the aortic valve has become significant enough to impede blood flow out of the heart. This can lead to several serious symptoms or complications, including:
It's important to note that in some cases, severe Aortic Stenosis may not cause noticeable symptoms, especially in older adults who may have reduced activity levels. However, even in the absence of symptoms, severe Aortic Stenosis can still pose a significant risk of complications. This is why regular monitoring, Echocardiograms (Echos) and prompt treatment are crucial for managing Aortic Stenosis.3,4
Sometimes symptoms are subtle, like not being able to keep up with your friends
Your GP will usually do the initial examination. If a heart murmur is heard or they suspect you may have a problem with one of your valves your GP will refer you for an Echocardiogram (Echo) or directly to a cardiologist.
Diagnosis
How is Aortic Stenosis diagnosed?
Aortic Stenosis can be diagnosed using several methods. These may include:
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Does Aortic Stenosis get worse?
Aortic Stenosis is a progressive disease, which means it usually gets worse over time. Because of this, doctors will typically measure it as mild, moderate, or severe. The stage of aortic stenosis depends on how damaged your valve is.
Your healthcare team will monitor your valve and how your heart is pumping. This is done through regular medical visits, Echocardiograms (Echos) and other tests.
I'm diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, what happens next?
What happens next will depend on:
- How you are feeling
- What is seen on your Echocardiogram (Echo) and other tests
- Your goals for treatment
- Your overall health
- Any other health conditions that you have, and your risk of heart disease
During early stages of the disease (mild or moderate), your doctor may decide to watch your condition. If it worsens, you will need to have your valve replaced. When your Aortic Stenosis requires intervention, your doctor will review all of the options available to you. If not, ask.
How often should I get an Echo?
Aortic Stenosis is often progressive so follow up Echos are important to see if your disease has progressed.
Guidelines for Aortic Stenosis are as follows.
Severity
Mild
Every 3 to 5 years
Severity
Moderate
Every 1 to 2 years
Severity
Severe
Every 6 to 12 months3
It is important that your doctor follows these guidelines, keep track of when you need your next echo and remind your doctor if needed.
When is the right time to replace my valve?4
Your doctor will decide when the right time is for treatment depending on:
- How severe the narrowing of the valve is
- New, or changing symptoms
- Individual benefits and risks of replacing valve
You and your doctor may:
- Watch and wait to see how your Aortic Stenosis progresses with repeat echocardiograms and other tests if you don't need your valve replaced yet.
- Keep track of your activity levels. Are they the same today as they were six months ago? If not, why?
- Decide it is severe enough that a heart valve replacement is warranted—either via open heart surgery or using a catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or the left chest.
If your Aortic Stenosis is severe and you have symptoms for example, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, and fatigue, or your heart function has worsened aortic valve replacement may be your recommended treatment option.
You may also need to take certain medications to treat other heart disease risk factors and/or prevent clots or infections of the heart valve.
It can be hard to remember everything you want to tell your doctor. Use our symptom tracker to make notes, to share with your doctor.
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Aortic Stenosis is a mechanical issue, which requires a mechanical solution, the only option is replacing your valve
You can manage early symptoms with medication and a healthy lifestyle. When the symptoms become severe or your heart function declines, your doctor may recommend replacing the damaged valve.1
Have any questions?
We’ve got answers. Our FAQ page can help guide you through, symptoms, what to expect from a check up and what treatments are available.
References
- Grimard, B. H., & Larson, J. M. (2008). Aortic stenosis: diagnosis and treatment. American family physician, 78(6), 717-724.
- American Heart Association. Aortic stenosis overview. www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-aortic-valve-stenosis.
- Sasse, A. Echo Appropriateness Guidelines - Cardiac Society. https://cardiacsociety.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Echo-Appropriateness-Guidelines-NZ.pdf
- Treatment of Aortoc Stenosis. Hope for Hearts. https://www.hopeforhearts.nz/aortic-stenosis/treatment/
Note: References provided are applicable for all medical claims on this page.
Important safety information
Information on this site includes educational information regarding certain conditions and potential therapies or treatment options. Other therapies or treatment options may be available and you should discuss any educational information you access online with your healthcare professional. Appropriate treatment for individuals is a matter for healthcare professionals to decide in consultation with each individual.