Overview
Aortic stenosis is a condition where the cusps of the aortic valve become thick and stiff, or fuse together. Consequently, the aortic valve opening narrows, restricting the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It may also negatively affect the pressure in the left atrium.
Symptoms and Complications
Aortic stenosis symptoms occur when the valve is severely narrowed. Symptoms may not be noticeable until the severity of the condition increases. Aortic stenosis may lead to complications such as heart failure. As a result, symptoms of heart failure, such as swollen ankles and feet, may also be present in an individual with aortic stenosis. Other complications of aortic stenosis include blood clots, arrhythmias, and heart infections.
Symptoms of aortic stenosis in adults may include:
Angina (chest pain)
Feeling faint or dizzy
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Heart palpitations
Heart murmur heard through a stethoscope
A decline in activity level or reduced ability to do normal activities
Symptoms of aortic stenosis in children may include:
Failure to gain weight
Poor or inadequate intake of food
Breathing problems
Fatigue upon exertion
Causes
Aortic stenosis can develop due to a bicuspid aortic valve, which is a congenital heart defect. Certain individuals are born with an aortic valve with two cusps (bicuspid aortic valve) instead of the usual three (tricuspid aortic valve). The valve defect may not be an issue until adulthood. However, if the valve narrows, it may need to be repaired or replaced. As such, this congenital heart defect requires regular checkups by a doctor.
The most common cause of aortic stenosis is ageing, during which excess calcium, a mineral that is present in the blood, damages the aortic valve. As blood flows over the aortic valve, calcification can occur due to the build-up of calcium deposits on the heart valves. Typically, aortic valve stenosis related to ageing, and subsequent calcium deposit build-up, does not cause symptoms until the ages of 70 or 80. However, those with congenital heart defects are prone to experiencing the negative effects of calcium deposits at a younger age.
Rheumatic fever resulting from an untreated strep throat infection may result in excess scarring forming on the aortic valve. This has the potential to narrow the aortic valve opening or create a surface where calcium deposits can easily collect. Fortunately, rheumatic fever is rare in the United States, therefore complications occurring are fairly uncommon.
Treatment
Treatment for aortic stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. If symptoms are not present or if they are mild, it is best to monitor them to track their development. It is advised to have regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional and request to have an electrocardiogram. These methods will aid in determining effective treatment options.
Treatment options may also include medications, valve repair, or valve replacement. Valve repair and replacements are done through the process of surgery. It is typically performed through an incision in the chest. Surgery options for aortic stenosis may include aortic valve repair, aortic valve replacement, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and balloon valvuloplasty.
Prevention
Preventive measures for aortic stenosis include taking steps to prevent rheumatic fever and gingivitis, as well as addressing risk factors for coronary artery disease.
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References
Aortic stenosis overview. (n.d.). Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/problem-aortic-valve-stenosis#:~:text=Aortic%20stenosis%20is%20one%20of,pressure%20in%20the%20left%20atrium.
Aortic valve stenosis. (2021, February 26). Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353139