Aortic stenosis is a common heart condition that occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In severe cases, aortic stenosis can be life-threatening if left untreated. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively treat aortic stenosis in patients who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery.
To help shed light on this important topic, we sat down with Dr. Sarah Johnson, a cardiologist at the Heart Institute, to answer some common questions about aortic stenosis symptoms, risks, and TAVR.
Q: What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis?
A: The most common symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms can worsen over time as the condition progresses, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Q: What are the risks associated with aortic stenosis?
A: Aortic stenosis can increase the risk of serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. It can also put a strain on the heart and lead to other health issues if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to monitor and manage aortic stenosis with the help of a cardiologist.
Q: What is TAVR and how does it work?
A: TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that involves replacing the damaged aortic valve with a new valve through a catheter that is inserted into the body through a small incision in the groin or chest. This allows for quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
Q: Who is a candidate for TAVR?
A: TAVR is typically recommended for patients who are considered high-risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery due to factors such as age, overall health, or other medical conditions. Your cardiologist will evaluate your individual case to determine if TAVR is the right treatment option for you.
Q: What are the benefits of TAVR?
A: TAVR has been shown to effectively treat aortic stenosis with less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgery. It can also improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Q: What are the potential risks of TAVR?
A: While TAVR is generally considered safe and effective, there are some risks associated with the procedure such as bleeding, infection, stroke, or damage to the blood vessels. Your cardiologist will discuss these risks with you and help you weigh the benefits and potential complications of TAVR.
In conclusion, understanding the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for aortic stenosis is crucial for managing this common heart condition. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, it’s important to seek medical attention from a cardiologist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual case. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively treat aortic stenosis in high-risk patients, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Talk to your cardiologist today to learn more about aortic stenosis and how TAVR may be able to help improve your quality of life.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source: https://renal.platohealth.ai/cardiologist-qa-aortic-stenosis-symptoms-risks-and-tavr/