Aortic Valve stenosis is a heart valve disease that can reduce or block blood flow from the heart to the aorta. The valve lying between the lower left heart chamber and aorta cannot open fully due to blockages. This causes a blocking in the blood flows from the head to the aorta. The treatment of this problem is critical and is dependent on how severe the condition is. Here we will tell you about the Diagnosis and treatment of Aortic valve stenosis.

Diagnosis

Firstly your doctor would ask about your medical history and symptoms. The provider will check your heart and see if he can notice a murmur. Tests for aortic valve stenosis are:

Echocardiogram 

The ECG uses the sound waves to show pictures of the beating heart and find out the movement of blood. These pictures can be used to find out the severity of the condition. A transoesophageal ECG involves inserting an ultrasound probe in the oesophagus and reaching the heart to know the exact situation.

Electrocardiogram or ECG

ECG measures the electric activity in the heart. The cardiologist will use its readings to signal the patterns that would show an abnormality in the heart.

Chest X-Ray

The chest X-ray will show the exact problem in both the heart and lungs. It will show the swelling in the heart, calcium build-up, etc.

Cardiac computerized tomography scan

Also known as the heart's CT scan, it places various images that give a detailed view of the heart. The tests help measure the aorta size and condition of the aortic valve.

MRI Scan

The MRI scan will use magnetic fields to take images of the heart. It shows the size of the aorta and if there are any signs of Atrial Fibrillation.

Cardiac Catheterization

If the other tests are unable to define the exact problem, doctors can suggest Cardiac Catheterization. 

Treatment

Mostly surgery is recommended when a patient suffers from aortic valve stenosis. Surgery options for the problem include:

• Balloon valvuloplasty-This technique is used for infants and toddlers. In adults, the use of this method is not helpful as the aortic valve narrows again after the procedure.

• Aortic valve replacement: In this method, the aortic valve is completely replaced. The replacement valve is procured from a cow, pig, or human heart. At times the aortic valve can be replaced by a pulmonary valve from the same person. 

• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement-This is another solution to open heart aortic valve replacement surgery. Here the narrow aortic valve is replaced with that of a pig or cow tissue. This is suggested when the patient is at an intermediate stage of complications.

Summing up

If you are facing Aortic Valve stenosis issues, you can contact Dr. Raghu in Hyderabad. With his wide range of expertise, you can hope to get a quick reprieve from the problem. He will inform the exact severity of your condition and the treatment required. His vast experience is going to help you overcome the problem and restore normalcy in your life.