What is aortic stenosis?

The aortic valve controls how blood flows from your heart into the aorta, the artery that provides blood for the rest of the body. The narrowing of this valve is a disease called aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis can reduce blood flow to the rest of your body, so to get enough blood circulating, your heart must pump harder. Over time, your heart muscle can weaken, putting you at risk for heart failure or stroke.

What causes aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis has multiple causes, including:

• A heart defect you are born with
• Calcium buildup as you age
• A childhood rheumatic fever that damaged your heart

What are symptoms of aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heart murmur
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat

How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?

Dr. Bokhari has multiple strategies to check for aortic stenosis. You may need an echocardiogram, a noninvasive ultrasound that shows your heart as it beats. Dr. Bokhari uses this test to examine your aortic valve and the rest of your heart. He might also use other imaging tests, like a CT scan, chest X-ray or MRI.

You could also have an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that measures the electrical activity in your heart. During an EKG, Dr. Bokhari places electrodes on your chest. These electrodes send information about your heart activity to a computer. You may have an EKG while at rest or during exercise in a stress test.

How is aortic stenosis treated?

If you have mild to moderate aortic stenosis, you might not need any treatment. You may be able to keep your heart healthy with diet, exercise and regular visits to Dr. Bokhari.

If you have severe aortic stenosis, Dr. Bokhari offers the latest treatment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This advanced procedure has a faster recovery time, less risk for pain and a lower chance of bleeding than traditional heart surgeries.

During TAVR, Dr. Bokhari makes a small incision in your groin. Using X-ray guidance, he then threads a catheter (a thin tube) from the artery in your groin all the way into your heart. Once the catheter is in place, he guides specialized tools through the catheter and into your aortic valve. He is able to give you a new aortic valve without a large chest incision.

For the latest treatment options for aortic stenosis, call Advanced Cardiovascular Care or schedule an appointment online.