If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, you are not alone. Aortic stenosis is one of the most common valvular heart diseases, impacting 1.5 million Americans. More than one in eight people over 75 are affected by this progressive condition.

Understanding aortic stenosis

The heart is comprised of four chambers-  two upper chambers called the atria, and two bottom chambers called the ventricles. Each of these chambers is divided by thin layers of tissue called valves. Much like doors that open and close, these one-way valves help regulate blood flow through the heart. The heart has a total of four valves:

• Tricuspid valve
• Pulmonary valve
• Mitral valve
• Aortic valve

In a healthy heart, blood flows freely from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and into the aorta, where the oxygenated blood gets delivered to the rest of the body. The aortic valve prevents a backward flow of blood from the aorta into the heart. 

In some cases, the aortic valve becomes diseased, causing the valve flaps to become thickened or stiff. Stenosis means narrowing, so with aortic stenosis, the diseased valves restrict blood flow out of the heart. As a result, the heart must work harder to pump blood through the valve.

How serious is aortic stenosis?

The heart can usually manage the diseased valve in the early stages of aortic stenosis. However, aortic stenosis is a progressive disease. Over time, the increased pressure in the left ventricle thickens the heart muscle, leading to heart failure and death.

What is the life expectancy of someone with aortic stenosis?

Studies show that the average survival rate after diagnosis is 2-3 years without treatment. Once symptoms develop, patients were severe aortic stenosis disease have a 50 percent survival rate at two years and a 12 percent survival rate at five years.

What are the signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis?

As the aortic valves start to become smaller, or stenotic, lower amounts of blood are pushed less forcefully from the heart to the rest of the body. As a result, the following symptoms tend to arise:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid fluttering heartbeat or other heart palpitations
• Difficulty walking short distances

Causes of aortic stenosis

The risk of aortic stenosis increases as we age, especially for those who follow an unhealthy lifestyle. Like most cardiac diseases, aortic stenosis is an inflammatory disorder. Increasing evidence suggests that aortic valve stenosis may be largely preventable in the same way as atherosclerosis. The most commonly cited causes of aortic stenosis include:

1. Calcium buildup that increases with age

Along with other nutrients, the blood carries calcium. As blood repeatedly passes through the aortic valve, calcium deposits may form on the valve, making it stiff and unable to open fully.

But what causes this calcification of the aortic valve? In most cases, the same lifestyle factors that cause clogged arteries also contribute to a diseased aortic valve.

The inflammation arises from eating a poor diet, living a sedentary lifestyle, and experiencing stress. Moreover, exposure to pesticides, plastics, phthalates, mold mycotoxins, and heavy metals also increases calcification. Recent studies also show that poor dental health and root canals may increase the risk of aortic stenosis as well.

2. Congenital abnormalities

A healthy aortic valve has three flaps, or cusps, that fit together snugly. However, some individuals are born with aortic valves having only one or two cusps. The most common congenital heart condition is a bicuspid aortic valve, impacting approximately 2 percent of the population. More common in men, a bicuspid aortic valve only has two flaps instead of the typical three.

3. Rheumatic fever

Although much less common today, this inflammatory disease, typically caused by untreated strep throat or scarlet fever, can scar the aortic valve and trigger aortic stenosis.

Diagnosis of aortic stenosis

A doctor will often listen to the heart with a stethoscope if aortic valve stenosis is suspected. Individuals with aortic stenosis often have a high-pitched murmur recognizable by a healthcare professional.

Further testing typically includes an echocardiogram, or echo for short. An echo is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to take pictures of the heart. An echo will reveal how well blood is flowing through the aortic valve. Sometimes, doctors want to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

This test uses a small tube and camera that is inserted down the throat to get a closer look at the aortic valve.

Other possible diagnostic tests for those with aortic stenosis include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Chest x-ray or CT scan
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac catheterization

Keep in mind, however, that most of these tests are completely unnecessary and may do more harm than good.

Treatment for aortic stenosis

Many individuals with mild to moderate disease are carefully monitored by their cardiologist for disease advancement. However, surgical treatment will be necessary if the valve becomes too tight. For most people, aortic valve disease becomes a mechanical problem that requires surgery. 

Aortic valve replacement can be done through open heart surgery or minimally invasive methods using a catheter. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, has become an increasingly popular treatment for aortic valve stenosis.

Preventing aortic stenosis

Most conventional doctors will have you believe that aortic stenosis is an unpreventable disease that comes with aging. However, this is not true.

Aortic stenosis can often be prevented by following the tenants of Eat Well, Live Well, and Think Well. Living a healthy lifestyle is the best path to preserving the aortic valve without needing surgery.

Moreover, individuals who already have an aortic stenosis diagnosis can slow the progress of the disease by following the same healthy lifestyle. And, though surgery may eventually be necessary, the following lifestyle choices can optimize health, ensuring the best outcomes possible.

Eat Well

Nutrition is paramount for optimal health and longevity. By following the wisdom of our ancestors, who naturally ate only whole organic foods, we can reduce inflammation, thus lowering calcification.

Live Well

A healthy lifestyle is equally important to lowering inflammation. Reducing stress, ensuring quality sleep, smart sunshine exposure, and adequate physical activity will improve the outcome for those with aortic stenosis – as will reducing exposure to chemicals and toxins.

Think Well

It’s easy to fall into a pit of sadness and hopelessness, especially when facing a life-threatening health condition. However, many people are surprised to learn that negative emotions promote inflammation. Mindset is critical for healing, so do what it takes to find your happy.

Finally, many people wonder: Can aortic stenosis be cured? Depending on the severity of the aortic stenosis, it’s possible to heal. Mild disease can be halted with lifestyle changes. For those with advanced disease requiring surgical valve replacement, following the Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well tenant can put the condition into permanent remission.

Next Steps

Aortic stenosis is a scary condition that undoubtedly requires prompt attention. Time is of the essence if you’ve been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. The team at Natural Heart Doctor has decades of experience treating cardiac valve diseases, including aortic stenosis. Contact us today if you suspect you may have aortic stenosis or need help navigating your diagnosis. We offer strategies for management. We offer hope.