How serious is narrowing of the aorta?

How serious is narrowing of the aorta?

Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve, which restricts the flow of blood from the ventricle into the aorta. Aortic stenosis can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Treatment options include procedures or surgery to repair or replace the faulty valve.

How is aortic stenosis treated in elderly patients?

Aortic stenosis (AS) is predominantly a disease of the elderly, with significant mortality and morbidity. The only definitive therapy is aortic valve replacement (AVR) and surgical units operating on large numbers of elderly patients have reported reasonable operative mortality rates of <10%.

What causes narrowing of aorta?

The most common cause of aortic stenosis in young people is a birth defect where only two cusps grow instead of the normal three. This is called a “bicuspid aortic valve.” Another cause may be that the valve opening doesn’t grow along with the heart.

What causes aortic narrowing?

Aortic stenosis mainly occurs due to the buildup of calcium deposits that narrow the valve. This is called calcific aortic stenosis. The problem mostly affects older people. Calcium buildup of the valve happens sooner in people who are born with abnormal aortic or bicuspid valves.

What causes aortic stenosis in elderly?

In most elderly adults, aortic stenosis is caused by a build-up of calcium (a mineral found in your blood) on the valve leaflets. Over time, this causes the leaflets to become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close.

Should a 90 year old have heart valve replacement?

It found that open heart surgery can be performed in patients 85 years and older with good results – though elderly patients are associated with “prolonged hospital stay(s)”. However, some risk factors can make this less likely, including having severely weakened heart valves pre-surgery.

Does aortic stenosis make you tired?

Aortic valve stenosis may lead to heart failure. Heart failure signs and symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen ankles and feet.

Is coughing a symptom of aortic stenosis?

Symptoms of aortic stenosis include: Chest discomfort: The chest pain may get worse with activity and reach into the arm, neck, or jaw. The chest may also feel tight or squeezed. Cough, possibly bloody.

How fast can aortic stenosis progress?

Although the average rate of progression (measured by peak aortic-jet velocity) is 0.24±0.30 m/s/year, this rate is highly variable.