Aortic Stenosis - What Is It?
Aortic stenosis (AS), also called aortic valve stenosis, is a condition in which the aortic valve has become narrowed or constricted (stenotic) and does not open-and-close properly. Many times, calcium deposits in the blood can build up on the aortic valve, causing a hardening (calcification) of the valve and, as a result, aortic stenosis.
Aortic Stenosis - The Anatomy Of The Aortic Valve
The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle, or lower chamber of the heart, and the largest artery (aorta). The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, which carries blood to the brain and the rest of the body.
When the aortic valve becomes stenotic, the ability of the left ventricle to pump blood out of the heart to the aorta and other arteries is impaired. The organs receive an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood, and blood may "back up" into the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
The aortic valve has three flaps, called "leaflets," that open and close. The aortic valve should function as a one-way valve: when the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve only allows blood to flow out of the left ventricle and into the aorta.
When the heart relaxes between contractions, the aortic valve closes, preventing blood in the aorta from returning to the left ventricle. If calcium deposits build up on the aortic valve, the valve becomes hardened (calcified) over time - a clinical sign of mild, moderate and severe aortic stenosis.
Many patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis (like me) were born with a bicuspid aortic valve. A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital heart valve defect in which the aortic heart valve has only two leaflets, not three (shown below).
How Does Aortic Stenosis Impact The Heart And Body?
When aortic stenosis occurs, the heart valve leaflets do not open normally and the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle is reduced. As a result, the heart's ability to supply the body with blood decreases and blood backs up into the lungs.
The left ventricle initially compensates for increased resistance caused by aortic stenosis by thickening to help eject blood through the stenotic aortic valve into the aorta. In essence, the heart is forced to "work overtime". This helps overcome aortic stenosis at first, but the left ventricle progressively increases in diameter (dilates), stiffens, and gradually loses its ability to generate enough contractile force to compensate for aortic stenosis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Aortic Stenosis?
Some of the most common symptoms of aortic valve stenosis are:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when you lie down
- Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
- Cough, especially at night or when lying down
- Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Heart murmur
- Excessive urination
- Chest pain (angina) or tightness
- Feeling faint or fainting with exertion
- Dizziness
Can Aortic Stenosis Be Harmful, Or Even, Fatal? If mild or moderate aortic stenosis remains untreated and progesses into severe aortics stenosis, the left ventricle becomes further dilated and less able to contract and expel blood into the aorta.
Ultimately, congestive heart failure can result if a heart valve with aortic stenosis is not repaired or replaced through surgical treatement. In a recent study, Dr. Hong revealed that mortality rates for patients with severe aortic stenosis can be as high as 74% five years after diagnosis.
 My Experience With Aortic Stenosis And Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery? As you can read in my story, I had severe aortic stenosis and regurgitation when I learned that I needed aortic valve replacement surgery. My heart was already dilated at the time of diagnosis. So you know, I only had one symptom of aortic stenosis prior to surgery.
>> NEXT: To better understand aortic stenosis symptoms and the treatment of aortic stenosis through heart valve surgery, please click here. |
