Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disorder characterized by the narrowing (stenosis) of the aortic valve, which obstructs the flow of blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta and the rest of the body. This narrowing of the valve reduces the amount of blood that can flow through the valve, leading to increased pressure within the left ventricle and decreased blood flow to the body’s organs and tissues.
Causes and Types
Aortic stenosis can be classified into several types based on its underlying cause:- 1. Congenital aortic stenosis: Present at birth, this type of aortic stenosis is typically due to abnormalities in the structure or development of the aortic valve.
- 2. Degenerative aortic stenosis: This type of aortic stenosis occurs as a result of age-related changes in the aortic valve, such as calcification, thickening, or stiffening of the valve leaflets.
- 3. Rheumatic aortic stenosis: Caused by damage to the aortic valve due to rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition resulting from untreated streptococcal infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms of aortic stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and how quickly it develops. Common symptoms may include:- Chest pain or discomfort (angina), especially during physical activity or exertion.
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea).
- Fatigue or weakness, especially during physical activity.
- Fainting (syncope), particularly during exertion or when changing position.
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
- Reduced exercise tolerance.
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen (edema), due to fluid retention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of aortic stenosis may involve a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (including blood tests and cardiac biomarkers), imaging tests (such as echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography [TEE], cardiac MRI, or cardiac CT scan), and cardiac catheterization.Treatment
Treatment for aortic stenosis aims to relieve symptoms, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options may include:- Medications: Medications to manage symptoms (such as diuretics for fluid retention), improve heart function (such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers), and prevent complications (such as anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots).
- Surgical interventions: Surgical procedures, such as aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement, may be necessary to treat severe or symptomatic aortic stenosis. Surgical options may include traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI).