"Is Your Heart Valve Closing In? Signs of Aortic Stenosis"
Your heart works tirelessly, beating over 100,000 times a day to keep blood flowing through your body. But what happens when one of its key valves starts to narrow? This is the case with aortic stenosis, a condition that can quietly progress before showing signs—making early detection critical.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a condition where the aortic valve—the gateway between your heart and the rest of your body—becomes narrowed. This narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, reducing blood flow and making your heart work harder than normal. Over time, this strain can lead to serious complications like heart failure.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Aortic stenosis can develop gradually, and many people might not notice symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Here are some key warning signs to watch for:
1. Chest Pain or Tightness
Especially during physical activity, this may feel like pressure or squeezing behind your breastbone.
2. Shortness of Breath
Even mild exertion like walking up stairs can leave you breathless, as the heart struggles to pump enough blood.
3. Fatigue or Dizziness
Lack of blood flow can cause lightheadedness or feeling tired all the time.
4. Fainting (Syncope)
Episodes of fainting or nearly fainting, especially during activity, could signal serious valve problems.
5. Heart Murmur
Your doctor may detect a distinctive “whooshing” sound through a stethoscope—one of the earliest clues.
Who's at Risk?
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Older adults (over 60) – due to age-related valve calcification
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People with congenital heart defects (like bicuspid aortic valve)
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Individuals with a history of rheumatic fever
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Those with chronic kidney disease or high cholesterol
Diagnosis & Next Steps
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you're over 60, it’s important to talk to your doctor. A physical exam, echocardiogram, or cardiac imaging can confirm the diagnosis. Treatments range from monitoring mild cases to valve replacement surgeries, including TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)—a less invasive option.
Takeaway
- #AorticStenosis
- #HeartHealth
- #ValveDisease
- #CardiologyAwareness
- #HealthyHeart
- #ChestPainAwareness
- #ShortnessOfBreath
- #HeartCheckup
- #CardiacCare
- #TAVI
- #KnowTheSigns
- #AgingHeart
- #PreventHeartDisease
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