Going into detail on what this term means and how it relates to health guidelines. This article may be incomplete.
Aortic stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening in the heart. This narrowing restricts the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta and the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis can be mild, moderate, or severe, with severe cases potentially leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and heart failure.
The most common cause of aortic stenosis is the progressive calcification of the aortic valve with aging. Other causes may include congenital abnormalities, rheumatic fever, and previous infections affecting the heart valves. Diagnosis of aortic stenosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests like echocardiography, and sometimes cardiac catheterization. Treatment may include medications to manage symptoms, but the definitive treatment for severe aortic stenosis is usually aortic valve replacement, either through surgical means or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Without intervention, severe aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Periodic monitoring and timely intervention are essential in managing aortic stenosis and improving outcomes for affected individuals.