Aortic Stenosis Treatment- Cardiology

Doctors: Cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is the utmost predominant valvular heart disease. Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart's aortic valve becomes narrow. This narrowing of the aortic valve decreases or blocks blood flow from heart into the aorta. Hence, the blood supply to rest of the body gets also decreased or blocked.

What are the treatment options?

Depending on the patient’s condition, the treatment of aortic stenosis is decided. Treatment options include medical treatment as well as surgical treatment.

Medical treatment: It includes different types of medicines.

• Statins: They help to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol which is also known as “bad” cholesterol
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medicines help to open the blood vessels more fully
• Β-blockers: They help to slow the heart rate
• Diuretics: They help to reduce the quantity of fluid in the body and helps to lessen the stress on heart

Surgical treatment: Surgical treatments include balloon valvuloplasty and aortic valve replacement.

• Balloon valvuloplasty: During this surgery, the damaged valve is repaired. The surgeon makes an incision on groin. A flexible, thin tube (catheter) tipped with a deflated balloon is inserted through this incision into the artery and is guided to the patient’s heart. Once the tube is near the valve, the balloon is inflated to stretch the narrowed aortic valve. Once the leaflets of the valve are open, the balloon is deflated and the catheter with the deflated balloon is taken out.  This procedure opens the valve temporarily.
• Aortic valve replacement: This surgery involves replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical valve or biological valve by performing an open-heart surgery. Another type of surgery known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is also an option in which a valve is replaced without open-heart surgery. During TAVR, c catheter is inserted into an artery to patient’s heart. This catheter carries a deflated balloon as well as a folded replacement valve, folded, on the tip. Once the catheter is at the correct place, the balloon is inflated which opens up the replacement valve and makes it fit tightly inside the damaged valve. After the new valve is in correct position, the balloon deflates and the catheter is removed.

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27895025
• https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/aortic-stenosis-treatments#1
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353139

Disclaimer: Please note that Mya Care does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is not intended to replace the care or advice of a qualified health care professional. The views expressed are personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Mya Care. Always consult your doctor for all diagnoses, treatments, and cures for any diseases or conditions, as well as before changing your health care regimen. Do not reproduce, copy, reformat, publish, distribute, upload, post, transmit, transfer in any manner or sell any of the materials on this page without the prior written permission from myacare.com.