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Aortic stenosis occurs when there is an abnormal constriction in the aortic valve. The basic function of the aortic valve is to control the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. When functioning properly the aortic valve does not hinder the flow of the blood between the aorta and left ventricle. But when aortic stenosis occurs the aortic valve narrows down in size. As a consequence the blood supply is restricted.
Symptoms
The treatment of the aortic stenosis requires replacement of the affected valve with an artificial heart valve. The symptoms of the aortic stenosis are congestive heart failure, syncope, dizziness and angina.
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
Excessive clotting of the blood in the vessels results in the improper functioning of the heart vessels and congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is indicative of the fact that a person is suffering from aortic stenosis.
If the aortic valve is not replaced with an artificial heart valve the chances of the patient leading a healthy life are very less and mortality rates can be as high as 50%. Congestive heart failure in the case of the aortic stenosis is due to the accumulation of diastolic dysfunction and systolic dysfunction.
Angina
Another symptom of aortic stenosis is angina. Angina increases the risk of sudden heart failure and death. A patient experiences angina pains when the heart has to make extra effort to pump blood.
Syncope
Syncope is another symptom of aortic stenosis. It also increases the risk of death in the context of aortic stenosis. It is not clear exactly why aortic stenosis causes this symptom. There is a theory which states that aortic stenosis produces a fixed cardiac output. The peripheral vascular resistance of the patients decreases when they do exercise. This is because the blood vessels of the skeletal muscles make it possible for the muscles to receive blood to do more work. The increase in the cardiac output compensates the decrease in marginal vascular resistance. The blood pressure of the patients suffering from the aortic stenosis falls as they do not increase cardiac output due to the lower blood insertion to the brain. Another theory suggests that during exercise a high pressure is generated in the Hypertrophied L V and that causes a vasodepressor response. This results in the higher risk of aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis sometimes co-exists with aortic insufficiency. The physical examination of the aortic stenosis can reveal the signs of aortic insufficiency.
This is aserious medical condition which requires treatment from a cardiologist. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, act today.
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