This test records electrical activity in your heart and detects abnormalities in your heart’s rhythm. An EKG can indicate the presence of arrhythmias and left ventricular hypertrophy, which is a thickening of the wall of the heart’s primary pumping chamber. Electrocardiograms also check for underlying heart issues, such as myocardial ischemia. This condition decreases blood flow to your heart, preventing it from receiving sufficient oxygen.
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Diagnosing aortic stenosis
With any potential heart issue, the first thing your physician will do is review your individual and family medical history and perform a physical exam. To identify the specific issue, they may run various tests for aortic stenosis to confirm the condition and determine the severity.
Your physician will evaluate your medical and family history to look for symptoms and signs that could indicate an aortic valve stenosis diagnosis. Factors that play a role in determining your risk level include genetics, age, and other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
During the physical exam, your physician will listen for specific heart murmurs associated with aortic stenosis. Measuring your pulse can help assess for signs of the condition. A weaker or delayed arterial pulse could be an indicator of aortic stenosis. Your physician will evaluate for cardiac abnormalities, such as mitral valve disease or aortic regurgitation. Based on the findings, they’ll order a series of diagnostic tests.
An echocardiogram is a primary imaging test that can assess aortic stenosis. The exam provides detailed images of your heart’s structures, including the aortic valve. It can detect abnormalities in the valve leaflets, including thickening or calcification. An echocardiogram also gives a real-time assessment of valve function, checking for issues in the valve opening and any leakage.
A chest X-ray is an excellent diagnostic tool for providing information about the heart and lungs. The X-ray can determine if you have an enlarged heart, which can occur in aortic stenosis. Other issues a chest X-ray can detect are pulmonary congestion, calcium buildup, and aneurysms.
A stress test measures your heart’s functioning during physical activity. The exam usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike while hooked to a monitor. The activity gradually intensifies to quicken your heart rate and put stress on the cardiovascular system. For those unable to perform a physical stress test, specific medications can simulate the effects of physical exertion on the heart.
A CT scan provides a detailed view of the chest anatomy, allowing your doctor to detect the presence of aneurysms or calcifications. Advanced CT scans can also identify coronary artery disease, offering a comprehensive assessment of heart and blood vessel health.
When other noninvasive tests are inconclusive or your physician needs more information, they may perform a catheterization. This invasive procedure checks for blockage in coronary arteries and is often used before aortic stenosis surgery.
Aortic stenosis treatment
Aortic valve stenosis treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Your cardiology team will work closely with you to determine the best course of action based on your overall health and risk factors. In some cases, you can get aortic valve stenosis treatment without surgery. If you have mild aortic stenosis, treatment may be handled through medications or other nonsurgical methods.
Medication management
As part of your care treatment for aortic stenosis, medications may be administered to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. These drugs include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers or diuretics. Your physician may also recommend ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure, anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, and antibiotics to fight infections.
Surgical procedures
Surgery is sometimes necessary for severe aortic valve stenosis treatment. If your condition significantly impairs your heart function, your physician may recommend one of the following surgical procedures:
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR): AVR is a common treatment for severe aortic stenosis. During this open-heart procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged aortic valve and replaces it with a prosthetic valve. Prosthetic options include mechanical valves or valves made from human, cow, or pig tissue.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): TAVR is a less invasive treatment option for severe aortic valve stenosis. In this procedure, a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel to implant a new valve within the diseased aortic valve. TAVR is often an option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, including those at high risk or ineligible for open-heart surgery.
- Balloon valvuloplasty: In this procedure, a balloon is inflated to widen the narrowed aortic valve. While it doesn’t replace the valve, it can temporarily relieve symptoms, especially for those who aren’t candidates for valve replacement surgery.
Recovery after aortic stenosis surgery
Following valve replacement surgery for aortic stenosis, your hospital stay will typically be around four to six days. Once you’re home, the recovery period generally lasts about four to six weeks, though it may vary depending on your overall health and the type of procedure you had.
For the best outcome, it’s essential to follow your prescribed aortic stenosis therapy plan, take medications as directed, and attend all follow-up appointments with your physician.
