Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

30 أبريل Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

Posted at 12:12h in English by admin

Aortic stenosis is a condition that can develop silently over a long period before noticeable symptoms appear, making early detection essential to prevent serious complications. This disease occurs when the main artery leaving the heart becomes narrowed, reducing blood flow to the body and affecting the function of several organs.

In this article, we review the most important symptoms of aortic stenosis, along with a simplified explanation of causes, risk factors, and diagnosis based on reliable medical sources.

What Is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrowed. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the organs. This narrowing increases pressure on the heart and reduces the amount of blood reaching the body.

Early Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

The symptoms of aortic stenosis vary depending on severity and progression and may include:

Shortness of breath, especially during activity
Chest pain or pressure
Fatigue and general weakness
Dizziness or fainting, especially during exertion
Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
Reduced ability to exercise
Cold extremities in some cases

Symptoms usually worsen gradually as the condition progresses.

Advanced Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

In more severe cases, symptoms may become more pronounced, such as:

Severe shortness of breath even at rest
Recurrent or intense chest pain
Low blood pressure in advanced stages
Swelling in the feet or ankles
Significant decline in daily physical activity

These signs indicate that the heart is working harder to compensate for reduced blood flow.

Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, where the doctor listens to the heart using a stethoscope and asks about symptoms and medical history. A heart sound known as a heart murmur may be detected, which can indicate a possible valve problem.

Medical Tests

To confirm the diagnosis and determine severity, several tests may be performed:

1. Echocardiogram (Echo)

This is the main test used to diagnose aortic stenosis. It uses ultrasound waves to visualize heart movement and blood flow through the valves. It helps:

Assess the severity of narrowing
Evaluate the effect on heart muscle
Measure pumping efficiency

There are two types:

Transthoracic echocardiogram: performed externally on the chest
Transesophageal echocardiogram: provides more detailed internal images when needed

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Measures the electrical activity of the heart and detects rhythm abnormalities or enlargement of heart chambers.

3. Chest X-ray

Helps evaluate heart and lung size and may show:

Enlarged heart
Calcium buildup on the aortic valve

4. Stress Test

Assesses how the heart responds to physical activity such as walking or cycling. It helps determine:

Heart performance under exertion
Appearance of symptoms during activity

If exercise is not possible, medication may be used to simulate stress.

5. Cardiac CT Scan

Provides detailed images of the heart and valve and helps:

Measure aortic size
Detect calcium deposits
Assess disease severity

6. Cardiac MRI

Offers highly detailed images of the heart and aorta and helps evaluate the severity of the condition.

7. Cardiac Catheterization

Not routinely used for initial diagnosis but may be performed in certain cases to assess severity or before surgery. A thin tube is inserted through a blood vessel to examine the heart internally and check for coronary artery blockages.

Treatment of Aortic Stenosis

Treatment depends on severity and symptoms. If the condition is mild and asymptomatic, doctors may recommend regular monitoring. When symptoms appear, treatment options include:

1. Medications

Used in mild cases to relieve symptoms but do not cure the condition:

Blood thinners
Diuretics
Heart rhythm medications
Blood pressure or heart failure drugs

2. Valve Repair

Performed through surgery or balloon dilation:

Surgery: chest opening to repair the valve
Balloon valvuloplasty: temporarily widens the narrowed valve

3. Valve Replacement

Used in advanced cases, including:

Biological valve (from donor tissue such as cow or pig)
Mechanical valve
Tissue-based valve

Advanced options include:

Ross procedure: replacing the aortic valve with the patient’s pulmonary valve
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement): minimally invasive valve replacement without open-heart surgery

Conclusion

Symptoms of aortic stenosis are an important warning sign of reduced blood flow from the heart to the body. Although the disease may progress slowly, ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up play a crucial role in improving outcomes and treatment success.

References

Mayo Clinic – Aortic valve disease

Cleveland Clinic – Aortic stenosis overview