Aortic Valve Stenosis

A cardiologist will typically diagnose this condition based on your symptoms (if you have them) and one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Physical exam. Your provider may look for swelling in your lower legs and ankles, and will also listen to your heart. Providers can often hear a heart murmur, a key sign of aortic stenosis, using a stethoscope.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This measures your heart’s electrical activity.
Chest X-ray, angiography or cardiac CT scan. Each of these uses X-rays to see inside your body.
Echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound waves to create a picture of the inside of your heart.
Exercise stress testing. This test measures your heart function while you’re active.
Cardiac catheterization. A provider uses a catheter threaded through your arteries to see inside your heart.
Heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Using a powerful magnetic field, this provides detailed scans of your heart.

Based on your symptoms and how well your aortic valve works, your provider may describe your case with a letter and, possibly, a number after it. Stages run from A through D, with D being the worst. Numbers 1 through 3 further describe cases, with 3 being the worst.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.