The end stages of aortic stenosis are narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow significantly from the heart to the body, which leads to severe symptoms and even possible life threatening complications.
Symptoms of end stages of aortic stenosis are shortness of breath "even at rest", severe fatigue, chest pain, fainting and swelling in your legs and ankles as a result of fluid buildup called edema.
Without treatment, the end stage aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure and even death.
The 4 stages of aortic stenosis include.
Stage A Aortic Stenosis: At risk. Risk factors for heart valve disease are present.
Stage B Aortic Stenosis: Progressive. Valve disease is mild or moderate.
Stage C Aortic Stenosis: Asymptomatic severe. There are no heart valve symptoms but the valve disease is severe.
Stage D Aortic Stenosis: Symptomatic severe.
Aortic stenosis also known as aortic valve stenosis is the thickening and narrowing of the valve that is located between the heart's main pumping chamber and the body's main artery which is called the aorta.
The results of the narrowing of the valve creates a smaller opening for blood to pass through.
When this happens it reduces or blocks blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Aortic stenosis becomes very increasingly common with age, predominantly affecting those over the age of 65.
When symptoms of aortic stenosis, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, develop from aortic stenosis, the average life expectancy is only 1-2 years, with a prognosis that is worse than most cancers, if left untreated.
The signs that aortic stenosis is getting worse include.
Chest pain or tightness.
Rapid fluttering heartbeat.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or faintness.
Increased exhaustion after activity.
Swollen ankles and feet.
Difficulty sleeping.
Aortic stenosis is treated using both surgical and nonsurgical procedures including Aortic valve replacement surgery, where cardiac surgeons remove the damaged valve through open-chest or minimally invasive heart surgery and replace it with a mechanical or biological valve (made from cow, pig or human heart tissue).
With aortic stenosis things you should not do include.
DON'T become dehydrated. Dehydration will worsen aortic stenosis.
DON'T use any over-the-counter medicine without asking your doctor or health care provider.
DON'T ignore worsening symptoms.
End-stage symptoms of aortic stenosis include heart failure, anginal chest discomfort, and syncope.
However, the most common symptoms of aortic stenosis in people who are followed prospectively are decreased exercise tolerance and/or cardiac dyspnea on exertion, both early symptoms of heart failure.
The risk of sudden cardiac death in asymptomatic aortic stenosis is approximately 0.4% per year.
Risk of sudden cardiac death in aortic stenosis is likely to be a complex interplay between several potential risk factors, including myocardial fibrosis and myocardial ischaemia.
People with aortic stenosis require surgery when they are symptomatic but have a valve area >1.0 cm2 probably have symptoms based on another extravalvular problem.
People with a valve area of <0.8 cm2 who have typical symptoms almost certainly have them on the basis of aortic valve stenosis, and surgery is indicated.
Walking and other exercise is good for aortic stenosis.
Aerobic activity increases your heart rate and breathing.
Build up to doing at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity (such as a brisk walk, light cycling, water exercise or dancing).
You'll improve your stamina and heart health.