Aortic valve stenosis Information

Aortic stenosis is a common problem. Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a valvular heart disease caused by the incomplete opening of the aortic valve. Approximately 2% of people over the age of 65, 3% of people over age 75, and 4% percent of people over age 85 have the disorder. It is more common among men. Aortic stenosis can cause dizziness, syncope, angina and congestive heart failure. he three major causes of aortic stenosis are calcific degeneration or deposits of calcium on the valve (primarily affects the elderly), congenital abnormality with only two instead of three cusps, and rheumatic fever. Several factors, including aging, can damage the aortic valve and lead to aortic valve stenosis.

Some babies are born with a defective aortic valve. Severe blockage may cause chest pain or feeling a loss of consciousness with activity. Sometimes a defective aortic valve becomes blocked when the person is an adult. It can produce severe blockages to the flow of blood out of the heart and heart failure. Aortic valve stenosis can be treated effectively with surgery. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infections in the heart. Medications can include diuretics, digoxin, and other medications to control heart failure. Surgery to repair or replace the valve is the preferred treatment for patients who have symptoms. Some high-risk patients are poor candidates for heart valve surgery. A less invasive procedure called balloon valvuloplasty may be done instead.

Eating a low-sodium diet ,taking medications for heart failure, quitting smoking and limiting activities such as travel and sex also recommend. Aortic valve stenosis can be treated effectively with surgery. Aortic valve replacement is the most common surgical treatment for aortic valve stenosis. In this type of surgery, surgeons remove the narrowed aortic valve and replace it with a mechanical valve or a tissue valve from a pig, cow or human-cadaver donor. Valve replacement surgery is usually indicated in patients who have been diagnosed with severe AS, regardless of symptoms, and especially if dyspnea, angina, or syncope is present. Balloon valvuloplasty procedure uses a soft, thin tube (catheter) tipped with a balloon to open up the aortic valve passageway.

Aortic valve stenosis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Quitting smoking.

2. Limiting activities that may strain you, such as travel and sex.

3. Eating a low-sodium diet and being careful about how much fluid you drink.

4. Valve replacement is usually needed by mid- to late childhood.

5. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infections in the heart.

6. Aortic valve replacement is the most common surgical treatment.