Welcome to CVSKL Hospital, where we prioritize your cardiac health. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricate relationship between Aortic Stenosis and Heart Failure, shedding light on their interplay, and providing a compelling case study along with frequently asked questions to encourage you to seek consultations and treatment at CVSKL Hospital.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Definition and Overview
Aortic Stenosis is a cardiac condition characterized by the narrowing of the Aortic valve. This valve, located between the left ventricle and the aorta, plays a crucial role in ensuring that oxygen-rich blood is efficiently pumped out to the body. When this valve narrows, the heart must work harder to pump blood through, leading to potential complications.
How Aortic Valve Works
The aortic valve opens to allow blood to be pumped from the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta. Once the blood has been ejected, the valve closes to prevent any backflow into the heart.
Causes of Aortic Stenosis
Degenerative Valve Disease
The continuous opening and closing of the valve over a lifetime leads to wear and tear. The valve tissue becomes thickened, hardened and calcified. The less compliant leaflets then are unable to open fully and over time its orifice progressively narrows. Hence, Aortic stenosis being a degenerative condition is often seen in older individuals
Congenital Valve Defect
There are individuals who are born with an aortic valve structure like a bicuspid aortic valve. This predisposes to early degeneration of the valve leading to progressive narrowing of its orifice.
Rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic fever, a condition seen in childhood following a specific bacterial infection leads to inflammation of the heart valves. Multiple episodes of these events lead to scarring and thickening of the valves including the aortic valve. This may also lead to aortic stenosis.
Recognizing Symptoms
Individuals with Aortic Stenosis are often without symptoms until advanced disease.
When the aortic stenosis is severe, they may complain of :
Chest Pain or Discomfort
The chest pain or discomfort is often induced by physical activity. This happens because the heart has to increase its effort to pump blood through a narrowed valve.
Shortness of Breath
A common symptom of aortic stenosis is shortness of breath, brought on by exertion. As the heart increases its effort to pump blood through a narrowed valve, its oxygen demand increases. Yet the decreased output from the heart could not keep up with the increased demand, leading to the sensation of shortness of breath.
Fatigue and Weakness
The decreased oxygen-rich blood supply from the heart leads to fatigue, tiredness and feeling of weakness.
Fainting (Syncope)
In severe cases of aortic stenosis, the extreme reduction of blood flow can lead to fainting episodes, known as syncope. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
Progression of Aortic Stenosis
The aortic valve progressively narrows over a long period of time often over decades. Patients are often unaware because they are completely well and without symptoms until it is a very advanced severe stage.
Treatment is necessary to save lives when the valve stenosis is severe especially when the patient is symptomatic. If left untreated, the heart muscle may start to fail. This may result in heart failure or sudden death.
Diagnostic Tests for Aortic Stenosis
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound test that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It’s a crucial tool to diagnose and assess the severity of aortic stenosis.
CT scan
If the patient has severe stenosis and is deemed to be suitable for a non-surgical treatment option, i.e. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a CT angiography is often performed. This investigation assesses the characteristics of the valve, its surrounding structures, the aorta and peripheral arteries. This information is important to confirm the feasibility of TAVR and for the planning of the procedure.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis, Close Monitoring and Timely Intervention
Early diagnosis of aortic stenosis allows for close monitoring of the valvular condition and timely intervention. In this manner, the disease is treated before severe damage happens to the heart. The procedure is often safer and the outcome better.
Treatment Options
Medications for Symptom Management
While medications cannot reverse aortic stenosis, they can help manage symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This is important to improve in improving the patient’s quality of life.
Aortic Valve Repair vs. Replacement
For certain patients, repairing the aortic valve may be an option. However, in most cases, replacement of the valve is necessary.
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Aortic valve replacement surgery involves removing the diseased valve and replacing it with a prosthetic one. It is a highly effective procedure for aortic stenosis, providing durable and normalised valve function.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure where an aortic valve is replaced without open heart surgery. This option is offered for patients at high risk for open heart surgery. It offers shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
A Case Study: John's Journey to Recovery
Meet John, a 65-year-old man who started experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain during his regular walks. After consulting with the experts at CVSKL Hospital, John was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Through a carefully tailored treatment plan, including aortic valve replacement, John experienced a remarkable improvement in his symptoms and quality of life. Today, he enjoys his walks with renewed vigour and vitality.
FAQs: Aortic Stenosis and Heart Failure
A: Yes, as aortic stenosis progresses, there will come a point when the heart can no longer cope with the increased workload. Its function will start to deteriorate, leading to heart failure.
A: Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting.
A: Aortic stenosis is often suspected after physical examination by a physician. This is then confirmed with echocardiography.
A: Treatment options include medications, valve repair, or valve replacement.
A: Surgical valve replacement is a major open heart surgery. However, with medical advances, and available expertise it is a relatively routine procedure with good outcomes.
Why Choose CVSKL Hospital?
At CVSKL Hospital, we have a team of experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiac conditions like aortic stenosis. Our state-of-the-art facilities and personalized care ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of treatment.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email. Your heart health is our priority.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Thank you for considering CVSKL Hospital for your cardiac care. Together, we’ll ensure your heart beats strong and steady!
Information Shared By
Dr. Choo Gim Hooi
Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur
