Aortic Stenosis & TAVR

What Is Aortic Stenosis?

The aortic valve is a one-way door that lets blood flow out of the heart to the rest of your body. Aortic stenosis means this valve has narrowed, making it harder for your heart to pump blood out. The heart has to work harder, and over time, this can cause serious problems.

Common causes: Age-related calcification (most common), rheumatic fever (less common in developed countries), and bicuspid aortic valve (born with two leaflets instead of three).

Aortic stenosis is one of the most common valve problems, affecting about 2-3% of people over age 65.

Understanding Aortic Stenosis and TAVR

Left: Normal aortic valve with leaflets opening freely | Center: Calcified aortic stenosis blocking blood flow | Right: TAVR procedure with new valve deployed

Symptoms

Many people have mild aortic stenosis with no symptoms at all. But as it progresses, symptoms become more obvious:

• Chest discomfort or pressure — especially with exertion (climbing stairs, walking fast, exercise)
• Shortness of breath — during activity or sometimes at rest
• Fatigue — unusual tiredness, especially with activity
• Dizziness or fainting — particularly with exertion
• Heart murmur — often discovered by your doctor during a routine exam (you won't feel this)
• Irregular heartbeat — palpitations or feeling your heart racing

How Is It Diagnosed?

Physical exam: Your doctor listens with a stethoscope. Aortic stenosis creates a distinctive heart murmur.

Echocardiogram (ultrasound): This is the gold standard. It shows the valve's thickness, how well it opens and closes, and how hard your heart is working.

EKG (electrocardiogram): Checks for electrical abnormalities from the strain on your heart.

Stress test (if mild stenosis): Shows how your valve performs during exercise and whether symptoms develop.

CT scan: Sometimes done to assess severity or plan for TAVR.

TAVR: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

What is TAVR? TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure where a new valve is inserted through a catheter (thin tube) without open-heart surgery. Instead of removing the old valve, doctors compress it and place a new one inside it.

Why TAVR? TAVR is revolutionary because it avoids open-heart surgery. No large incision, no stopping the heart, no heart-lung machine. Recovery is much faster.

Who is a candidate? Historically, TAVR was for patients too sick for surgery. But evidence now shows it works well for many patients, even lower-risk ones. Your cardiologist will determine if TAVR or traditional surgery is best for you.

Success rate: 95%+ of TAVR procedures are successful. Most patients feel dramatically better immediately.

Recovery & Outcomes

Hospital stay: Usually 1-2 nights (compared to 5-7 days for open-heart surgery)

Return to activity: Most patients can resume light activities within 1-2 weeks and normal activities within 4-6 weeks

Medications: You'll likely take aspirin and another blood thinner (like clopidogrel) for 6 months to prevent clotting on the new valve

Outcomes: Studies show excellent symptom relief. People with chest pain and shortness of breath often experience complete resolution of symptoms. Quality of life improves dramatically.

When to Seek Care

See your doctor if: You have a heart murmur, new shortness of breath, chest discomfort with activity, unusual fatigue, or a family history of valve disease

Call 911 if: You have severe chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath

Questions about TAVR? If you've been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and your doctor suggests TAVR, ask about candidacy, timing, risks, and what to expect. This is a life-changing procedure worth understanding completely.