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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Treatment Procedures For Aortic Stenosis?

I have a lifelong heart history that began with patent ductus surgery when I was 18 months old. I have a murmur but have been very healthy all my life and never restricted physically. Now I m 69 and have aortic stenosis, and my cardiologist tells me that I positively will need valve replacement, likely in the next 5 years or so. The choices are invasive, open heart surgery or non-invasive that replaces the valve through the leg. Are there any alternative treatments for a narrowing heart valve (a long shot, I know) which might possibly eliminate the need for surgery? Thank you.
Fri, 4 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thank you for your query

I admire your positive outlook.

Aortic stenosis (narrowed aortic valve) can range from mild to severe.
Moderate to severe stenosis are usually symptomatic. When the symptoms are too severe and threaten life, it needs to be replaced.

The most common and relatively safe procedure is open heart valve replacement. This will take a longer recovery time but has less risk of stroke and fewer vascular complications as opposed to TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement)

TAVR is usually reserved for those who cannot undergo the strain of open heart surgery.

From your query, I understand that there is still time( about 5 years) before you absolutely have to have surgery. There are certain precautions and medications that can be taken to slow the progression of the stenosis.
These reduce the burden on the heart and reduce the effect of imflammatory/metabolic/dynamic processes that worse the stenosis.

Healthy diet, moderate exercise (as advised by your cardiologist) will also help to slow the disease process.

Hope this information is helpful. If you have further queries, we'd be happy to answer.
Wish you the best of health
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What Are The Treatment Procedures For Aortic Stenosis?

Thank you for your query I admire your positive outlook. Aortic stenosis (narrowed aortic valve) can range from mild to severe. Moderate to severe stenosis are usually symptomatic. When the symptoms are too severe and threaten life, it needs to be replaced. The most common and relatively safe procedure is open heart valve replacement. This will take a longer recovery time but has less risk of stroke and fewer vascular complications as opposed to TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) TAVR is usually reserved for those who cannot undergo the strain of open heart surgery. From your query, I understand that there is still time( about 5 years) before you absolutely have to have surgery. There are certain precautions and medications that can be taken to slow the progression of the stenosis. These reduce the burden on the heart and reduce the effect of imflammatory/metabolic/dynamic processes that worse the stenosis. Healthy diet, moderate exercise (as advised by your cardiologist) will also help to slow the disease process. Hope this information is helpful. If you have further queries, we d be happy to answer. Wish you the best of health