Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valve disease problems. Aortic stenosis is a
narrowing of the aortic valve opening causing flow to be limited to the rest of the body. Since
your heart has to work
harder to
pump blood through a
narrow
valve, the muscles in
your
heart thicken which can
lead to
heart failure. Early
treatment can help to
reverse
or slow down the
progress
of this disease.
What causes it?
Some people have AS
as a
result of a congenital
(birth)
heart defect known as
bicuspid
aortic valve, however, more commonly it develops during AGING as calcium or scarring
damages the valve. This degenerative change results in limited valve leaflet motion.
Aortic stenosis is a quickly progressive disease. To date there is no medical treatment for
severe aortic stenosis, which means there is only one option- SURGERY.
Symptoms may include:
· Shortness of breath
· Chest pain, pressure or tightness
· Fainting, also called syncope
· Palpitations or a feeling of pounding heartbeats
· Decline in activity level
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