At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease, including aortic stenosis, a common and serious condition characterized by the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. Our team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients with aortic stenosis to improve heart function and quality of life.

Conditions Overview:

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed or obstructed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. If left untreated, severe aortic stenosis can result in heart failure and life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis:

The symptoms of aortic stenosis may vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include:

• Chest pain or tightness (angina)
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fainting or lightheadedness, particularly with exertion
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Swelling of the ankles or feet (edema)
• Rapid or irregular pulse

Diagnosis and Evaluation:

Diagnosing aortic stenosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound test that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing for the assessment of aortic valve anatomy, blood flow, and severity of stenosis.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test that records the heart’s electrical activity and can detect abnormal rhythms or signs of heart enlargement.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Imaging tests that provide additional information about the heart’s structure, function, and blood flow, helping to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis and assess for other cardiac abnormalities.
• Cardiac Catheterization: A procedure performed in a specialized cardiac catheterization lab to measure blood pressure within the heart and arteries, assess coronary artery disease, and determine the need for further treatment.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for aortic stenosis depends on the severity of the condition, the presence of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health. Options may include:

• Medications: While there are no medications to reverse aortic stenosis, certain medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A minimally invasive procedure that involves replacing the diseased aortic valve with a prosthetic valve delivered via a catheter inserted through the blood vessels, typically recommended for patients at high or intermediate surgical risk.
• Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): A traditional open-heart surgery performed to remove the diseased aortic valve and replace it with a mechanical or tissue valve, often recommended for younger patients or those with complex valve anatomy.
• Balloon Valvuloplasty: A procedure that involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the narrowed aortic valve and inflating it to widen the valve opening, providing temporary relief of symptoms in select patients.

Recovery and Management:

Following treatment for aortic stenosis, patients will require close monitoring and ongoing medical care to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and optimize heart health. This may include:

• Regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon to assess heart function, monitor valve function, and adjust treatment as needed.
• Medication management to control symptoms, lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and manage other cardiovascular conditions.
• Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, heart-healthy diet, smoking cessation, and weight management to reduce the risk of disease progression and improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Education and support for patients and their families to help them understand the condition, recognize symptoms of complications, and adhere to treatment recommendations.

At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care for patients with aortic stenosis. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes and quality of life. If you or a loved one is living with aortic stenosis, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our cardiology team to explore treatment options and receive expert care and support.