Aortic Valve Disease

Quick answer

Aortic valve disease means the valve that sends blood out of your heart to the rest of your body is not working right. It takes two forms. In aortic stenosis the valve narrows and blood struggles to get through. In aortic regurgitation it does not close, so blood leaks backward. Aging is the most common cause. Shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and fainting are the usual signs. Left alone it can lead to heart failure.

Have you noticed that you are constantly short of breath, feeling unusually tired, or dealing with chest discomfort? These could be signs of aortic valve disease, a condition that affects how blood flows out of your heart. When left untreated, it can gradually strain your heart and lead to serious complications such as heart failure, making it important to seek medical care right away.

For more than three decades the Center for Advanced Cardio and Vascular Interventions has been helping patients manage all forms of heart conditions, including aortic valve disease. Using a combination of advanced diagnostic procedures and personalized treatment plans, our expert team does all that it can to safely and effectively improve your overall heart health. If you would like to learn more about your symptoms or what treatment options are available, schedule a consultation today.

What is Aortic Valve Disease?

Aortic valve disease is a condition where the aortic valve does not work the way it should, making it harder for blood to flow out to the rest of the body. Your heart has four valves that open and close with each beat. When the aortic valve, the one responsible for sending blood out to the body, is affected, this disruption is what we call aortic valve disease.

There are two main types of aortic valve disease, namely aortic stenosis, where the valve becomes too narrow, and aortic regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly and blood leaks backward. The most common cause is age-related wear and tear, though some people develop it from birth defects, infections, or previous heart conditions.

Causes of Aortic Valve Disease

Aging is the most common cause of aortic valve disease. In addition to aging, other causes of a diseased aortic valve include:

Congenital heart defects
Rheumatic fever
Calcium buildup
Endocarditis
Radiation therapy
Hereditary heart valve problems
Other health conditions

Types of Aortic Valve Disease

Aortic valve disease is classified into two main types, aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis. Both types are based on the way it affects how blood flows in the heart.

Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation happens when the aortic valve does not close tightly, allowing some of the blood that was pumped out of the left ventricle to leak back into it. Because the heart has to handle this extra volume, it becomes less efficient at sending blood to the rest of the body. This is what causes most patients to experience shortness of breath and fatigue.

Aortic regurgitation often develops slowly, giving the heart time to compensate for the leakage. Most people do not notice any signs for years, but as the condition worsens, they may begin to experience any of the following: fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath during activity or when lying down, ankle and foot swelling, chest pain, lightheadedness, fainting, heart palpitations, or heart murmurs.

Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart’s aortic valve narrows and reduces or blocks blood flow from reaching the heart and the rest of your body. This reduction or blockage of blood flow forces your heart to work harder to pump blood to your body.

Symptoms often do not appear until the narrowing becomes significant, which means some people may feel fine for many years. When signs do develop, they may include a heart murmur, chest pain during activity, dizziness or fainting with exertion, shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations. Severe aortic stenosis can lead to serious complications such as heart failure.

Aortic Valve Disease Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Fatigue
Dizziness
Fainting
Heart palpitations
Swelling in the ankles or feet
Reduced exercise tolerance

When left untreated, aortic valve disease can gradually weaken the heart. Over time, this may lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, blood clots, or even sudden cardiac events.

Aortic Valve Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing aortic valve disease begins with an initial consultation where you will discuss your symptoms with your doctor and undergo a physical exam. Your doctor will listen for a heart murmur, which can be an early clue that the valve isn’t opening or closing properly. From there, they may order tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to show how well the valve is moving.

Other tests like ECG, chest X-ray, CT scan, or a stress test help check the heart’s size, rhythm, and overall strength so that your care provider can get a fuller view of your overall heart health. All of these steps work together to show exactly how the valve is performing and what kind of treatment you may need.

How is Aortic Valve Disease Treated?

Treatments for aortic valve disease are generally divided into minimally invasive procedures and surgical options to best match a patient’s preferences and overall health. The approach your doctor recommends ultimately depends on the severity of your valve problem.

Medication: While medications can’t fix the valve itself, they help reduce the strain on your heart. Drugs like beta blockers, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors ease symptoms by lowering blood pressure, reducing fluid buildup, and helping the heart pump more efficiently.
Balloon Valvuloplasty: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small balloon to stretch open a narrowed valve. It can improve blood flow and ease symptoms for high-risk patients who are not yet ready for major surgery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): TAVR or TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), is recommended for patients who want to avoid open heart surgery. It replaces the damaged valve through a tiny tube inserted in the leg or chest. The new valve immediately takes over and allows blood to flow more freely, which usually leads to faster recovery and quick improvement in breathing and energy levels.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): This is the classic open-heart surgery where the old valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological one. It’s the most definitive and durable treatment for severe valve disease. Patients who opt for this procedure enjoy restored proper blood flow and get long-term results.
Aortic Valve Repair: In some select cases, surgeons can repair your valve instead of replacing it. This might involve reshaping the valve or tightening its structure to prevent leakage. Keeping the natural valve often means better long-term heart function and no need for long-term blood thinners.

Taking the Next Step Toward a Healthier Heart

When your aortic valve malfunctions, it becomes harder for blood to flow efficiently to your body, and this is what we call aortic valve disease. Because the condition often develops slowly, many people do not notice any warning signs until it has already progressed, making it important to seek medical care immediately if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned.

While there are many treatment options available, the right approach for you depends on the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your personal preferences. At our CACVI, our doctors take the time to understand your situation so they can create a treatment plan that safely and effectively restores your heart’s function. If you’re ready to take control of your heart health, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Common Types of Arrhythmia

Heart arrhythmias are broadly divided into two major groups, tachycardia and bradycardia.

1. Tachycardia—Fast Heartbeat

Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats faster than normal, typically over 100 beats per minute. You may notice a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort. Persistent tachycardia can increase the risk of complications if left untreated.

Tachycardia can further be broken down into:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat originating in the atria (the heart’s upper chambers). It can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, or chest pain. AF increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other complications, making timely diagnosis and management essential.

Atrial Flutter

The difference between atrial flutter and AFib is that the heartbeat is more organized. It often causes a fast but regular heartbeat and may lead to symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. While it is not as severe as AFib, atrial flutter can still increase your risk of blood clots and stroke if left untreated.

Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)

This life-threatening form of arrhythmia occurs when the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers) quiver instead of pumping blood. V-fib can cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, leading to collapse or cardiac arrest. Early detection and prompt intervention are important to boost the patient’s chances of survival.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

In the case of supraventricular tachycardia, you’ll experience a rapid heartbeat above your ventricles, which usually leads to palpitations, a pounding chest, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath. An episode can range from seconds to hours and can come without warning. It is not always dangerous, but it can be disruptive and uncomfortable to deal with.

Ventricular Tachycardia

This is another form of arrhythmia that happens in the ventricles and it may prevent the heart from pumping blood properly. It can cause symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, and even fainting. VT can be serious, especially if it lasts longer than a few seconds, as it may progress to ventricular fibrillation.

2. Bradycardia—Slow Heartbeat

Bradycardia is characterized by a slower-than-normal heartbeat, usually under 60 beats per minute. Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty exercising. While sometimes harmless, severe bradycardia may require medical evaluation or intervention.

It usually occurs in two primary forms:

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Although it can be mild at first, sick sinus syndrome often requires medical evaluation to prevent worsening rhythm problems. When the sinus node, your heart’s natural pacemaker, doesn’t work as it should, this is called sick sinus syndrome. It can cause the heart to alternate between beating too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. Symptoms typically include fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and fainting.

Conduction Block

A conduction block, or a heart block, happens when the electrical signals that travel through your heart are delayed or stopped. This could result in your heart beating slower or skipping beats entirely. You may also experience lightheadedness, fainting, or noticeable fatigue.

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Arrhythmia and When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you notice frequent or persistent irregular heartbeats, especially if accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

A fluttering, pounding or racing feeling in the chest
A fast heartbeat
A slow heartbeat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Feeling very tired
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Sweating
Fainting or almost fainting
Heart palpitations

Heart Arrhythmia Diagnosis & Treatment

Because arrhythmias can present differently in each individual, it’s best for doctors to conduct a thorough evaluation. This will allow them to pinpoint the underlying cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your condition.

Diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive review of your symptoms, medical history, and overall heart health. From there, your doctor may recommend one or more diagnostic procedures, such as an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a stress test, to assess your heart’s structure, rhythm, and electrical activity.

Heart Arrhythmia Treatments

Treatment for heart arrhythmia depends on the type, its severity, and your overall health. Your doctor will develop a personalized plan based on your specific diagnosis and symptoms.

Lifestyle recommendations are often the first step in managing mild arrhythmias. Improving your sleep habits, managing stress, and reducing caffeine or alcohol intake can help stabilize your heart rate and reduce episodes over time. If necessary, your doctor may also place you on medications to help regulate your heart. For complex cases, your doctor may recommend advanced procedures such as catheter ablation or the use of implantable devices, including pacemakers or defibrillators, which help regulate the heart’s rhythm automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have any questions, our team is here to help. You can speak with one of our board-certified specialists by booking a consultation, where we’ll review your symptoms, perform any necessary testing, and guide you toward the right next steps for your heart health.

What Is the Most Serious Type of Arrhythmia?

The most serious type of arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), a life-threatening condition where the heart’s lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood.

What Is an Irregular Heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or inconsistently. It may feel like fluttering, skipping beats, or a sudden racing sensation.

What Heart Rate is Considered Abnormal?

A resting heart rate consistently below 60 beats per minute (bradycardia) or above 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) is generally considered abnormal.

How Is Arrhythmia Diagnosed?

Arrhythmia is diagnosed through tests that measure the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. Some common procedures for running these tools include electrocardiograms (EKGs), Holter monitors, stress tests, and echocardiograms. After running these tests, a doctor then uses this information to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Schedule a personalized assessment and find out your treatment options.

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Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.