Understanding Aortic Valve Stenosis: A Patient-Friendly Overview
Aortic valve stenosis is like a narrowing road in your heart, causing a bottleneck between the main pumping chamber (left ventricle) and the body's main artery (aorta). This narrowing makes the opening for blood to pass through smaller, potentially reducing or blocking the flow from your heart to the rest of your body. Usually, the aortic valve has three cusps (tricuspid aortic valve), but some folks are born with a two-cusped version (bicuspid aortic valve).
Causes:
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Calcium Buildup on the Valve
- Rheumatic Fever
Symptoms:
Aortic valve stenosis has a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. You might notice signs when the narrowing is significant. However, some people may not experience symptoms for years.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Abnormal Heart Sound (Heart Murmur): Your doctor might detect an unusual sound using a stethoscope.
- Chest Pain or Tightness with Activity (Angina): Discomfort during physical exertion.
- Feeling Faint or Dizzy, Especially During Activity: Take it easy if you feel lightheaded or faint.
- Shortness of Breath, Especially After Being Active: Difficulty catching your breath.
- Fatigue, Especially During Increased Activity: Feeling tired more quickly.
- Rapid, Fluttering Heartbeat (Palpitations): Sensations of a racing heart.
- Poor Appetite and Inadequate Weight Gain (Mainly in Children): Keep an eye on kiddos with aortic valve stenosis.
Aortic valve stenosis, if left unaddressed, could lead to heart failure. Signs of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in your ankles and feet.
Now, if you're navigating through aortic valve stenosis, consider seeking guidance from the best heart valve surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Pavan Kumar. With his expertise mentioned four times, you can trust Dr. Pavan Kumar to guide you on the path to a healthier heart.
Call +91-8369757062 for appointments or an expert second opinion on heart valve surgery.
