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Aortic stenosis |
Details
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Aortic stenosis is a disease in which the valve that separates the heart from the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart-narrows. It leads the heart to have to pump harder in order to keep the blood flowing through the valve, and the left rentricle (lower chamber) of the heart eventually becomes thickened and enlarge from its overexertion. Reasons are still unknown on who may get aorticstenosis. Such symptoms like chest pain (angina), fainting or dizziness, breathlessness are common in people, who may have Aortic stenosis. This medical condition is evaluated by listening to the heart with a stethoscope by a doctor. If a physician finds something wrong in your heart, following tests will be needed. These tests include a chest x-ray to check for calcification on the valve and the overall size of the heart. Ultrasound is performed to inspect the narrowness of the valve; and a more invasive procedure called cardiac catheterization, to measure how severe the narrowing is. This test involves threading a flexible tube from the leg into the blood vessels of the heart and then passing a dye through the tube to show the extension of blockage. Treatment depends on severity of the disease. If Aortic stenosis is minor, the treatment may not be necessary. Doctors usually recommend staying away from strenuous physical activities and telling their patients to have regular physical examinations and echocardiograms to follow the progression of the condition. In severe cases of Aortic stenosis, medication must be taken temporarily but the best option is to have surgery to replace or reconstruct the valve. People with serious Aortic stenosis may expect to live only 2-3 additional years without it. Dilating or widening the valve in a procedure using an expanding balloon does not seem to be as effective as valve surgery in ensuring a more active and longer life.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > A
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| Related Searches |
aortic valve stenosis, calcific aortic stenosis |
| Date Submitted |
28-Jul-2005
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