Aortic stenosis is a progressive disease that occurs with a narrowing of the patient’s aortic valve opening. It primarily happens over time as we age but can also be caused by a birth defect, previous chest radiation, or rheumatic fever. Normal heart valves have two or three flaps of tissue called leaflets. These tissue-paper thin membranes attached to the heart wall constantly open and close to regulate blood flow.
In elderly patients, aortic stenosis is sometimes caused by the buildup 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, a person’s heart must work harder to push blood through the aortic valve to the rest of the body.
It’s important to know that Severe Aortic Stenosis may occur with no obvious symptoms. The below symptoms are typically associated but commonly misunderstood by patients as “normal” signs of aging:
- Rapid, fluttering heartbeat
- Trouble breathing or feeling short of breath
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed, even fainting
- Difficulty walking short distances
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Not doing activities you used to enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping or the need to sleep sitting up
Severe aortic stenosis is life-threatening, and treatment for this condition is critical. Patients who have developed symptoms from severe aortic stenosis have about a 50 percent chance of living at two years without aortic valve replacement. In addition to a physical exam, severe aortic stenosis is diagnosed in several ways, the most common being an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest X-ray.
Aortic Stenosis is treatable, typically in a minimally invasive way and after a short recovery time, patients are able to return to the lifestyle they previously enjoyed prior to their symptoms. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive procedure than open-heart surgery which allows a new valve to be inserted within the native, diseased aortic valve. The TAVR procedure can be performed using one of many approaches, the most common is the transfemoral approach (through a small incision in the leg). Skilled providers, Dr. Nandu Gourineni, Dr. Ramesh Chillal-Kashinath, Dr. David Hart, and Dr. Gregory Dedinsky, and the Heart & Vascular Team at Columbus Regional Health, are pleased to offer this minimally invasive option to patients so they can receive the best cardiac care close to home.
CRH.org/heart
Nandu Gourineni, MD
Columbus Regional Health
Southern Indiana Heart & Vascular
812-379-2020
