DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Aortic Stenosis
Narrowing of the aortic valve opening, restricting blood flow from the heart to the aorta. Most commonly caused by age-related calcification, congenital bicuspid valve, or rheumatic fever. Progressive disease; severe cases require valve replacement.
12.0M
89
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Echocardiogram (primary)
- 2Transesophageal echocardiogram
- 3Cardiac catheterization
- 4CT scan
- 5MRI
- 6Chest X-ray
- 7ECG
- 8Physical exam (systolic murmur)
Prognosis
Asymptomatic severe AS has low sudden death risk (<1%/year). Symptomatic AS has 50% 2-year mortality without intervention. Surgical AVR has 1-3% operative mortality, 70-80% 10-year survival. TAVI (transcatheter) for inoperable/high-risk patients has 70-80% 2-year survival and dramatic symptom improvement. Bioprosthetic valves last 10-15 years; mechanical require lifelong anticoagulation. Regular echocardiographic monitoring tracks progression. Heart failure and syncope indicate poor prognosis without intervention.
Prevention
- Rheumatic fever prevention
- Regular cardiac checkups
- Cholesterol management
- Blood pressure control
- Prompt treatment of strep throat
- Antibiotic prophylaxis (if indicated)
Research Status
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is gold standard. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for high-risk patients. No medical therapy halts progression. Research on early TAVR, valve-in-valve procedures, and transcatheter repair ongoing.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-valve-stenosis
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/valve_disease.htm
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.