Symptoms of aortic stenosis in infants and children due to a congenital defect include:
Inability to gain weightFatigue during normal activitiesDifficulty feedingTrouble breathing
Calcium on the Valve In older adults, narrowing of the aortic valve with restricted opening can occur when scarring or calcium damages the valve, according to the AHA.Congenital Problems In young people, the most common cause of aortic stenosis is bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital defect in which only two valve cusps (flaps or folds) develop instead of the usual three.Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat, can make scar tissue form on the aortic valve, causing it to narrow, notes the Mayo Clinic.
AgingCongenital heart diseaseInfections that affect the heartDiabetesHigh cholesterolHigh blood pressureChronic kidney diseaseRadiation therapy to the chest
Echocardiogram This imaging test uses sound waves to make a picture of your heart. This picture shows your doctor how well your heart valves are working.Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) This test measures electrical activity in the heart.Chest X-Ray This can show your doctor whether your heart and aorta are enlarged and if you have calcium buildup on your aortic valve.Exercise Test Checking your physical fitness can help doctors determine if you have symptoms of aortic valve disease.Cardiac Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan A series of X-rays are taken to create detailed images of your heart.Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic fields and radio waves create detailed pictures of your heart that can help determine the severity of your condition.
Prognosis of Aortic Stenosis
Appropriate treatment often has excellent results. If your aortic stenosis is severe, treatment options may include replacing the aortic valve.
Medication Options
These medications may include:
Anti-arrhythmic medications, to keep your heart rhythm normal when arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) developAnticoagulants or blood thinners, to reduce the risk of blood clotsBeta-blockers, to decrease the heart’s workload and reduce palpitationsACE Inhibitors, to decrease blood pressure when hypertension is presentDiuretics, to reduce the amount of fluid in the tissues and the bloodstreamVasodilators, to open and relax the blood vessels
Surgery
Aortic Valve Replacement Aortic valve replacement is frequently needed to treat aortic valve stenosis. The surgery involves removing the damaged valve and replacing it with a mechanical valve or a valve made from cow, pig, or human heart tissue. If you have a mechanical valve, you must take blood-thinning medications for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive procedure where doctors use a catheter to replace an aortic valve that has narrowed. TAVR may be the best option for you if you’re at high risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement. Aortic Valve Repair In rare cases, surgeons repair an aortic valve to treat aortic stenosis. Balloon Valvuloplasty To treat aortic valve stenosis in infants and children, doctors may insert a catheter with a balloon on the tip into an artery in your arm or groin and guide it to the aortic valve. They then inflate the balloon, which expands the opening of the narrowed valve. This procedure is typically only performed on adults who are too sick for aortic valve replacement.
Prevention of Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis may be prevented by:
Keeping Your Heart Healthy High blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol levels may be linked to aortic stenosis, so stay healthy by keeping your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol level in check.Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Infected gums can cause inflammation of heart tissue that can aggravate aortic stenosis.Avoiding Rheumatic Fever See your doctor if you have a sore throat. Left untreated, strep throat can develop into rheumatic fever, which can cause aortic stenosis.
The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that specializes in clinical practice, education, and research. Its website offers information about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of aortic stenosis. American Heart Association (AHA) The AHA is the country’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Its website offers information about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of aortic stenosis. MedlinePlus MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It offers information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of aortic stenosis.
