Aortic Stenosis: Warning Signs & When You Need Surgery

You're probably reading this blog because you've recently been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. Or maybe you're still waiting for test results to figure out what's behind your symptoms. It could also be that someone close to you is going through this condition.

Whatever your reasons, this guide will help you understand about this condition – aortic stenosis – its symptoms and treatment options. The more you understand the condition, the more confident you'll feel talking to your doctor and making the right decisions about your treatment.

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a condition where one of the heart’s valves — the aortic valve — becomes too narrow. This valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the main artery (called the aorta) and then to the rest of the body. When the valve doesn’t open properly, it makes it harder for blood to flow out of the heart.

How it’s treated depends on how serious it is. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the valve. If left untreated, severe aortic stenosis can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems.

Early Warning Signs of Aortic Stenosis

In the early stages, aortic stenosis can be silent. But as the valve gets tighter, your body will start giving you signals. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Tiredness: Feeling more exhausted than usual, even after light activity.
• Shortness of breath: Struggling to breathe when walking or climbing stairs.
• Chest pain or tightness: Especially during physical activity.
• Dizziness or fainting: Lightheadedness can happen when your brain isn’t getting enough blood.
• A fluttering or fast heartbeat: Feeling like your heart is racing without reason.

These symptoms might come and go at first. But if untreated, it can lead to serious complications. 

Severe Aortic Stenosis: Signs That Require Immediate Attention

In more advanced stages, the symptoms can become stronger and more frequent. If you or your loved one experience:

• Fainting more than once
• Chest pain even while resting
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Trouble sleeping flat due to breathlessness

If you experience these symptoms, it’s time to seek urgent medical help. These may be signs that your heart is under serious stress and needs immediate attention.

When do you need surgery?

Not all cases of aortic stenosis require surgery right away. If your condition is mild and you’re not having symptoms, your doctor might just monitor it closely with regular heart scans. However, surgery or a special procedure may be needed if:

• Your symptoms are affecting your daily life.
• Tests show your heart is working harder than it should.
• The narrowing is severe, even if you feel okay now.

In these situations, your cardiologist may recommend replacing the damaged valve — either through open-heart surgery or a less invasive procedure.

Treatment Options for Aortic Stenosis

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, and what works best depends on your overall health, age, and how advanced the condition is.

1. Monitoring and Regular Check-Ups: If your condition is mild, your doctor might recommend regular visits and heart ultrasounds to keep an eye on how the valve is functioning.
2. Medications: While medication won’t fix the narrowed valve, it can help manage related problems like high blood pressure or heart rhythm issues.
3. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): This is the traditional surgery where the faulty valve is removed and replaced with an artificial one. It’s a well-established treatment for severe aortic stenosis, especially for younger or healthier patients.
4. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI): For people who aren’t fit for open surgery, TAVI is a great option. A new valve is placed inside the old one through a small tube inserted in a blood vessel — often in the leg. It’s less invasive and usually has a quicker recovery time.

Final Thoughts

Aortic stenosis may sound overwhelming, but understanding it is the first step toward managing it. If you've been feeling more tired than usual, short of breath, dizzy, or have chest discomfort—don’t ignore these signs. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference in your quality of life.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, don’t wait. Visit a heart specialist for a proper check-up. The sooner it's diagnosed, the better your chances of managing it well and staying healthy. At Rukmani Birla Hospital, our experienced cardiac team is here to support you every step of the way. Book an appointment today and take the next step toward better heart health.

Successful Recovery from Aortic Stenosis & Double Vessel Coronary Disease at RBH

Rukmani Birla Hospital recently managed a complex case involving aortic stenosis and double vessel coronary disease, both of which had significantly impacted the patient's health. The patient experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue, leading to a diagnosis of both heart conditions.

To treat this, the patient underwent Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) to open up the blocked coronary arteries, followed by a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) to replace the narrowed aortic valve. These procedures were successfully performed under the expert supervision of Dr. Alok Mathur, Director of Cardiology at CK Birla Hospital, Jaipur.

The combined approach led to significant improvements in the patient's health, with a noticeable reduction in symptoms like chest pain and fatigue. The patient's recovery was closely monitored, and they are now on the path to full recovery.

This case demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Rukmani Birla Hospital in managing complex heart conditions and ensuring positive outcomes through timely and effective treatment.

FAQs

What are the types of aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis can be classified into three types based on the cause: congenital (present at birth), degenerative (due to ageing), and rheumatic (due to past infections).

What happens if aortic stenosis is left untreated?

If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, and even death.

Is aortic stenosis a life-threatening condition?

Yes, if it becomes severe and is not treated, aortic stenosis can be life-threatening due to its impact on heart function.

Can lifestyle changes slow the progression of aortic stenosis?

While lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage symptoms, they cannot slow the progression of aortic stenosis itself.