Aortic valve stenosis is a common structural cardiovascular disease among the elderly. While mild cases may present no symptoms, severe cases can lead to heart failure or even sudden death. Since this condition obstructs the heart's blood flow, many patients may not exhibit high blood pressure, making it easy to overlook or confuse with other cardiovascular diseases. Statistics show that once heart failure symptoms appear, the average life expectancy is only two years.

Causes and Symptoms of Aortic Valve Stenosis
Aortic valve stenosis can be categorized into three types: calcific, degenerative, and rheumatic. Among these, degenerative stenosis is the most common, primarily affecting individuals aged 65 and above. A healthy valve typically has an opening area of about 2.5 square centimeters, but in cases of stenosis, it narrows to approximately 1 square centimeter, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. Patients may experience the following symptoms:

• Early stage: Angina, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and reduced appetite.
• Later stage: Sudden cardiac death or gastrointestinal bleeding (known as Heyde syndrome).

Aortic Valve Illustration (Image provided by Heho Health)

Difficult-to-Diagnose Heyde Syndrome
Some patients may experience gastrointestinal bleeding caused by valve stenosis. Even if gastroscopy or colonoscopy results appear normal, there may still be a risk of small intestinal vascular proliferation and bleeding due to heart conditions. For unexplained bloody stools or gastrointestinal bleeding, further examination of the aortic valve should be considered.

Surgical Treatment for a Lasting Solution
While mild cases may only require observation, the condition can deteriorate rapidly, making medication alone insufficient for effective treatment. The primary treatment methods include:

• Open-Chest Valve Replacement Surgery: Removing the damaged valve and implanting a new one.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A less invasive procedure that inserts a new valve via a catheter, suitable for high-risk patients.
  
  

Doctor&rsquos Reminder
Dr. Chen Da-Chung, Director of Cardiac Surgery at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, emphasizes that aortic valve stenosis is an irreversible structural disease. Patients should actively seek medical advice to choose the most suitable treatment method and undergo regular follow-ups to avoid missing the optimal treatment window.

Since aortic valve stenosis symptoms are diverse and often overlooked, individuals should remain vigilant and seek medical attention early to extend their life expectancy and improve their quality of life.Director of Cardiac Surgery at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Dr. Chen Da-Chung (Image provided by Heho Health)