Aortic Stenosis

Symptoms of aortic stenosis can vary but commonly include: 

• chest pain – as the blood supply to the heart fails to cope with the added work

• dizziness or blackouts – especially while exercising

• breathlessness – as the heart begins to fail

Rarely, aortic stenosis can lead to sudden death without any previous symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of aortic stenosis, book an appointment with one of our expert cardiologists as soon as possible. 

Dr Iqbal Malik, Director of Cardiology at Welbeck Heart Health, explains the signs and symptoms of common valve conditions, including aortic valve stenosis in this video.

There are a number of reasons why aortic stenosis can occur, including:

Congenital heart defect

Most people are born with 3 triangular-shaped flaps of tissue called cusps in the aortic valve.  However, some people are born with only 2 cusps (bicuspid valve) or, more rarely, with only 1 or even 4 cusps. This kind of defect in the valve increases the risk of aortic stenosis. A valve defect is often picked up at a routine 6-week check-up of a newborn, alongside a heart murmur. In severe cases, children born with a defect in the aortic valve may experience breathlessness and not feed properly.

Degenerative aortic stenosis

Degenerative aortic stenosis happens when calcium builds up on the valve. Calcium is a mineral found naturally in your blood, and deposits of it can build up on the valve's cusps when blood flows through the valve. Calcium build-up is most common in older people, with symptoms usually only showing between the ages of 70 to 80.

Rheumatic heart disease  

Rheumatic heart disease is a rare complication of a streptococcal bacterial throat infection caused by rheumatic fever. A rheumatic fever happens when the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy tissue while trying to fight off infection. Scar tissue caused by rheumatic fever can form on the aortic valve and narrow it, causing aortic stenosis.

At your initial consultation, our expert cardiologists will talk to you about your specific symptoms and medical history. They will carry out additional tests to complete your diagnosis. 

Diagnosis of aortic stenosis involves: 

• blood tests

• electrocardiogram (ECG)  – a test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity 

• echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan of the heart 

• CT coronary angiogram – a scan that takes pictures of the heart while it’s beating

It’s not always possible to prevent aortic stenosis, especially if it's caused by a birth defect. However, there are certain things you can do to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk. 

Reduce the risk of aortic stenosis by: 

• managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes

• maintaining a healthy weight

• eating a heart-healthy diet

• exercising regularly

• not smoking 

• treating throat infections promptly 

• maintaining good oral health to prevent gum infections

Aortic stenosis puts a significant strain on the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications. 

Complications of aortic stenosis include: 

• heart failure

• stroke

• blood clots

• bleeding

• irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)

• an enlarged heart Cardiomegaly

• infections that affect the heart, such as endocarditis

Treatment will depend on the severity of your aortic stenosis. Your cardiologist will discuss potential options with you following a diagnosis. In mild cases, this may simply involve monitoring the stenosis at regular check-ups. In severe cases or once symptoms occur, treatment will be needed. 

Treatment options include: 

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) – this involves either replacing or repairing the faulty valve to ensure function is fully restored to the heart.

Transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI/TAVR) –  this involves inserting a catheter into the blood vessel in your upper leg or chest and guiding it up towards the aortic valve. The catheter is used to fix a replacement valve over the old one, putting less pressure on the heart than open-heart surgery.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) – this uses a balloon to push open the valve and is a temporary or emergency measure. It does not last, and is not a definitive treatment.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.