Aortic Stenosis
Narrowing of main artery slows blood flow to heart and body
The aortic valve facilitates blood flow to your aorta, your body’s main artery, and to other areas of the body. “Stenosis” or narrowing of the valve may occur as a result of calcium buildup, causing thickening and hardening of the valve, and making it more difficult for blood to flow freely. Aortic stenosis, also called aortic valve stenosis, may also be caused by infections, such as endocarditis, or rheumatic fever, caused by strep throat complications. In some people, aortic stenosis is congenital, something they were born with.
Symptoms and diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis
The narrowing process usually takes many years and symptoms may not come on for some time. When symptoms appear, they are usually triggered by exercise and may include:
- Angina
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath, tiredness
Another sign of aortic stenosis is a heart murmur, which may be detected by your doctor during a routine physical exam. At that point, your doctor may recommend some additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, which takes moving pictures of your heart. Additional tests may include an MRI, an exercise stress test, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), and diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
Treatment for mild aortic valve stenosis may include some combination of dietary change along with medication and ongoing monitoring by your primary care physician. In more severe cases, stenosis may lead to heart failure and other heart conditions that may require advanced therapies and surgical treatments, such as surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
To schedule an appointment with a Lankenau Heart Institute specialist, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (225.5654) or use our secure online appointment request form.
Treatments
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Cardiac Catheterization
In cardiac catheterization (often called heart catherization), a very small hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin or arm through the aorta into the heart.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI is used to examine the structure of the heart throughout its pumping cycle and to diagnose and assess heart conditions more effectively than with other imaging methods.
Radiography ( X-Ray )
Radiography (X-Ray) involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of invisible, electromagnetic radiation to produce an image of the internal organs.
Echocardiogram (Echo)
An echo is an imaging technique using sound waves to take pictures of your heart while it’s beating. It shows how chambers, valves and vessels move together.
Electrocardiograms
An electrocardiogram, commonly referred to as an ECG or EKG testing, is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart and can help screen for heart disease.
Cardiac Stress Test
While walking on a treadmill, your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will be monitored to see how your heart responds to exercise “stress.”
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
This groundbreaking procedure for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis is now being offered at Lankenau. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, TAVR, is a procedure that allows the diseased aortic valve to be replaced without open heart surgery.