AORTIC STENOSIS: WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW
By Alan S. Peterson, MD
What is Aortic Stenosis?
It is the narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. The aortic valve is a doorway-like opening in your heart that allows the blood to flow from your heart to other parts of your body via the aorta. The narrowing of this valve (called stenosis) makes your heart work harder to pump your blood through the valve to the aorta. Aortic stenosis may get worse over time.
Who gets it?
It usually happens in people over 65 years of age. However, some people have a birth defect in their aortic valve that make them more likely to get it at an even younger age. You are more likely to get it if you smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
How can I tell if I have it?
There are usually no symptoms until the narrowing becomes severe. You also may not notice the symptoms or may think that they are caused by your older age. You may have shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness or fainting, especially during physical activity.
Your doctor may listen to your heart to check whether there are any abnormal sounds. If he hears an abnormal “murmur” which is created by abnormal flow across the aortic valve, he may order a test called an echocardiogram (or an echo). This will be able to tell if the heart murmur is coming from the aortic valve or another valve and also the degree of its severity of damage to the valve. If you have aortic stenosis, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to exercise or to do other physical activity.
How is it treated?
You may not need treatment if the aortic stenosis is not severe enough or if you do not have symptoms. But, your doctor will check your heart regularly to see whether the disease is getting worse. Once you have symptoms, sometimes it is necessary to undergo heart valve surgery to replace the valve. If you are not a candidate for surgery because of your age or other medical problems, medical therapy can be utilized.
What if I have symptoms?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
-
Increased shortness of breath
-
Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
-
Dizziness or fainting especially while exercising
-
Fatigue or decrease in normal activity
-
Sudden weight gain
-
Ankle swelling
Where can I get more information?
Once again, ask your family physician, but The American Heart Association has an excellent website also at www.americanheart.org.
Dr. Peterson is a doctor of Family and Community Medicine at the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, 317 S. Chestnut St., Quarryville.