Understanding Aortic Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Aortic stenosis is a serious and increasingly common form of valvular heart disease where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This restriction forces the heart to work harder, and without timely treatment, it can lead to heart failure, fainting, and in severe cases, sudden cardiac death.
At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, we are dedicated to offering the most advanced aortic stenosis treatment in Melbourne, led by a highly experienced team of cardiologists. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, understanding the condition, its symptoms, and your treatment options is the first step towards better heart health.
Aortic Stenosis Causes
Aortic stenosis can arise from several factors, with the most common being age-related degeneration. Over time, the aortic valve may become calcified or stiff, especially in individuals over 60. Other aortic stenosis causes include:
- Congenital heart defects, such as a bicuspid aortic valve (a valve with only two leaflets instead of three).
- Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat, which is rare in Australia today but may still affect older patients.
- Radiation therapy to the chest or previous heart surgeries, which may contribute to valve damage over time.
Our cardiologists in Melbourne frequently assesses patients for these underlying causes to ensure a tailored and effective approach to aortic stenosis treatment.
Aortic Stenosis Symptoms
Aortic stenosis can be silent in its early stages. However, as the narrowing worsens, it often leads to symptoms that should never be ignored. Aortic stenosis symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or while lying down
- Chest pain or tightness (angina)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Episodes of fainting (syncope)
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue, especially during physical activity
If you’re experiencing any of these aortic stenosis symptoms, it’s crucial to seek advice from a heart specialist in Melbourne without delay. Early diagnosis can dramatically improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Diagnosis and Assessment
At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, our comprehensive diagnostic process ensures accurate identification of aortic stenosis and assessment of its severity. Our leading cardiologists in Melbourne use state-of-the-art cardiac investigations such as:
- Echocardiogram (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart that shows how blood flows through the aortic valve.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Cardiac Catheterisation and Coronary Angiography: Typically used if there’s concern about accompanying coronary artery disease.
- Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: For a detailed 3D view of the heart and valves.
These tests help guide treatment recommendations and determine whether patients are candidates for minimally invasive procedures like TAVI in Melbourne.
Aortic Stenosis Treatment in Melbourne
Aortic stenosis treatment depends on the severity of the condition and a patient’s overall health. The primary goal is to relieve the obstruction caused by the narrowed valve and improve heart function. The three main approaches to aortic stenosis treatment are:
1. Medical Management
While there is no medication that can reverse the condition, some drugs can help manage associated aortic stenosis symptoms like high blood pressure or fluid retention. This approach may be appropriate in mild cases or while preparing for aortic valve replacement.
2. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
This is the traditional form of aortic stenosis treatment and involves open-heart surgery to remove the narrowed valve and replace it with a mechanical or biological prosthesis. It is often recommended for younger, lower-risk patients who are otherwise fit for surgery.
3. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is a minimally invasive procedure in which a new valve is inserted via a catheter, typically through the femoral artery in the groin. It avoids the need for open-heart surgery and is ideal for patients at moderate or high surgical risk.
At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, Professor Dion Stub is renowned for his expertise in TAVI in Melbourne, performing the aortic stenosis treatment procedure with exceptional care and precision. Patients often experience quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional surgery.
Choosing the Right Team
When it comes to your heart, experience matters. Our cardiology team includes some of the most respected heart specialists in Melbourne, such as Professor Dion Stub, a leader in interventional cardiology and structural heart procedures, and Dr Jennifer Zhou, a compassionate and detail-oriented cardiologist in Melbourne.
By choosing Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, you gain access to a collaborative team that focuses on individualised care, patient education, and advanced treatment options including TAVI, surgical valve replacement, and long-term heart disease management.