Aortic stenosis is one of the most common heart valve problems. Due to a process of wear and tear (acquired - degenerative aetiology) or genetic susceptibility (congenital - bicuspid valve), the aortic valve gradually gets stiff and rigid, so that the heart muscle has to make extra effort to push the blood across the diseased valve. The incidence of aortic stenosis increases with age. It is estimated that 29% of people older than 65 years and 37% of people above 75 years have some stage of aortic stenosis. The disease is more common in men than in women. That increases strain on the heart and can cause insufficient oxygen supply to the body in advanced stages. The aortic stenosis can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but once it reaches a severe stage as assessed on echo, the symptoms usually follow within months. The usual initial symptoms include reduced exercise tolerance, tiredness and exertional breathlessness. Later, patients experience chest discomfort (which can sometimes be due to concomitant coronary artery disease) and finally dizziness or even blackouts. Sometimes the symptoms can be relatively subtle, and a blood sample (NT-proBNP), calcium scoring and an exercise tolerance test can help distinguish between truly asymptomatic patients (with a plan for watchful waiting) and patients who have symptoms but got used to them and don't really perceive any undue limitations (but still need an operation). When the symptoms appear, the disease is usually well advanced and necessitates prompt treatment. Sometimes, an incidental finding of a murmur on a routine medical check leads to echo, which confirms severe aortic stenosis. The plan then is usually a 6-monthly clinic and echo follow-up. As soon as symptoms appear, the patient is listed for a coronary angiogram with a view for referral for aortic valve replacement. The prognosis in symptomatic severe aortic stenosis without treatment is grave - but a valve replacement removes symptoms and restores normal life expectancy. 

Nowadays, treatment options include an established and time-proven surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) and newer and less invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). sAVR remains the first option in the majority of patients due to its excellent track record. sAVR is an open heart surgery performed under general anaesthesia. During the operation, the heart is stopped, and the device for artificial circulation is connected. The heart is then opened, and the old stenotic valve is replaced with a new metallic or tissue valve. It is a major procedure but the operation has an excellent success rate and the risk of complications is relatively low. TAVI does not require chest opening because the artificial valve is usually delivered to the heart via a large catheter through an artery in the leg. This technique is less invasive than sAVR but it is still a significant procedure. TAVI can be used in some patients in whom open-heart surgery is deemed high-risk.

Dr Ruzicka has substantial experience in diagnosing aortic stenosis and can recommend optimal follow-up and treatment options.