Aortic stenosis is a condition that affects the opening of the heart’s valve, which is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body. It most often occurs due to age-related calcium buildup. Other conditions such as birth defects and rheumatic fever can also cause it.

When aortic stenosis occurs, the heart has to exert more effort to pump enough blood to maintain healthy levels of oxygen in the body.

The buildup of calcium can reduce the ability of the heart valves to open and close properly. As a result, the less oxygenated blood can travel to other organs and the brain.

The signs of aortic valve disease can be easily identified. You may experience:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Having a more difficult time than usual exercising
• Heart palpitations
• Cough without being sick
• Decreased urination

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are some of the risk factors that can lead to the development of aortic valve disease. In addition, men are more prone to experiencing this condition.

Should the condition be left untreated, it can lead to various complications.

• angina pectoris (chest pain) which generally worsens with physical exercise
• Left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart muscle) is caused because the heart pumps blood through a narrow valve
• heart failure
• sudden death due to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• endocarditis (infection of the innermost layer of the heart valve)

A procedure known as trans-femoral valve replacement can be performed to replace the heart’s valve. This type of operation involves using a needle stick to deliver the new valve to the site of the damage.

While under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the heart’s chest. He then opens the heart’s pericardium, which is a protective lining, to remove the damaged valve.

After the incision is made, the new prosthetic replacement heart valve is sewn into place. It can be made from either pig or human skin.

The American Board of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease conducted a study of 7584 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery, including 815 over the age of 80. They found that short and long-term survival was favorable across all age groups. More than 50% of the patients undergoing aortic valve procedures were alive 6 years after surgery. Without valve replacement, those diagnosed with this condition have a 50% chance of living only another 2 years.

It is important in order to achieve the best possible outcome, if you are having any of these symptoms to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are looking for a great new cardiologist, Tampa Cardiovascular Associates invites you to call us at 813-975-2800 or contact us through the web. www.tampacardio.com.