Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS)

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a narrowing of the aortic valve which is generally caused by wear and tear. AVS is mainly a disease of aging; the prevalence rate among older persons is 15 times that of younger persons. Scar tissue and calcium on the valve keep it from opening normally and causing obstruction of blood flow.

Usually AVS is not treated until patients experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and exertional chest pain. Once symptoms appear, stenosis is quite severe and up to half of older adults will die within a year if left untreated. Unfortunately, AVS is often misdiagnosed or mistreated in older adults who are often in their 80s or 90s when symptoms are manifested. In elderly persons, the classic symptoms of angina, dyspnea, dizziness or syncope may be misinterpreted.

Diagnosis

A distinct systolic murmur can typically be ausculated in people with AVS. Echocardiography is used to diagnose AVS and can assess the severity of this disorder. Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography are usually performed to determine the need for a valve replacement.

Treatment

AVS can be treated by open heart surgery to replace the aortic valve. Porcine valves (from pig hearts) are usually preferred with older adults because they do not require as much anti-coagulation therapy as mechanical valves. The porcine valve usually lasts about 10 years before it deteriorates and needs to be replaced.