Aortic Stenosis

There are 4 Main Causes of Aortic Stenosis.

Calcium Build-up

In most elderly adults, aortic stenosis is caused by a build-up of calcium (a mineral found in your blood) on the valve leaflets. Over time, this causes the leaflets to become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close.

Rheumatic Fever

Calcium Build-up

Sometimes strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever which can cause scar tissue to form within the heart. When this happens, the aortic valve may not be able to open and close as it normally should.

Birth Defects

Radiation Therapy

A normal aortic valve contains three leaflets. But sometimes people are born with an aortic valve that has one, two, or four leaflets. When defects are present, the aortic valve may leak and this can cause valve problems.

Radiation Therapy

Some people may develop inflammation and scar tissue after receiving radiation therapy. This can make the aortic valve stiff and unable to function properly.

Important Questions to ask your Doctor

Is it going to be open or percutaneous?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

Open is more invasive and will most likely require more recovery time while percutaneous does not require a large incision and will allow for a quicker recovery.

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

Mechanical valves are more durable and should last for the rest of your life but require that you take lifelong blood thinning medication. Bioprosthetics only last about 10 to 20 years but do not require long-term blood thinning medication. Speak with your doctor on which may be right for you.

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Blood thinners should be discussed with your doctor. If your valve is replaced with a mechanical valve, you will have to take blood thinners for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots from forming.

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Valve diseases or defects may not worsen over time but sometimes they can. It is important to continue to monitor your heart disease to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening complications. Your doctor should have a plan on how to continue to monitor your disease.

Can I have TAVR/TAVI instead of open-heart surgery?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

Depending on your overall health, your doctor will be able to discuss options for surgery. If open-heart surgery is too dangerous for you, your doctor may discuss TAVR as an option.

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

Occasionally, your doctor can separate your valve's leaflets or remove tissues that obstruct the valve to improve valve function. Your doctor will be able to recommend which treatment option is best for you.

Treatment Information

The miracle of minimally invasive heart surgery

SAVR

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is another option for patients with AS. An incision is made in the chest and the diseased valve is removed and replaced with a new valve. While this surgery can require more recovery time, it is still an option to reduce symptoms and improve life expectancy.

TAVR

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive option where a new valve is placed within the old valve with a catheter. Your doctor will make a small incision in your leg, chest or neck and the new valve is inserted. It has completely changed the way we treat patients with Aortic Stenosis. Since it is minimally invasive, many patients can leave the hospital the next day!

Medication

Depending on the severity of your AS, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce the risk of complications and treat any symptoms you may have.

Lifestyle Changes

Depending on the severity of your AS, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of complications.

Find out More about heart healthy living

Aortic Stenosis

There are 4 Main Causes of Aortic Stenosis.

Calcium Build-up

Calcium Build-up

Calcium Build-up

Rheumatic Fever

Calcium Build-up

Calcium Build-up

Birth Defects

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Common Symptoms

Chest Pain

Feeling Dizzy or Light-Headed

Difficulty Walking Short Distances

Heart Palpitations (Fast Heart Rate)

Reduced Ability to do Normal Activities

Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath

Important Questions to ask your Doctor

Is it going to be open or percutaneous?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

Should I have a mechanical valve or bioprosthetic valve?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

How long will I have to take blood thinners after surgery?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Can I have TAVR/TAVI instead of open-heart surgery?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

If my valve problem isn't currently serious enough to operate, how do we continue to monitor it?

Why does my valve have to be replaced and can it be repaired instead?

Treatment Information

SAVR

TAVR

Medication

Lifestyle Changes

Check out the American Heart Association's Information about Aortic Stenosis!

Resources

AORTIC STENOSIS

AORTIC STENOSIS - CARDIOSMART

AORTIC STENOSIS

TAVR

AORTIC STENOSIS - CARDIOSMART

AORTIC STENOSIS

AORTIC STENOSIS - CARDIOSMART

AORTIC STENOSIS - CARDIOSMART

AORTIC STENOSIS - CARDIOSMART

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