O QUE É ESTENOSE AÓRTICA? VALVA AÓRTICA CALCIFICADA? É GRAVE? (informações para pacientes)

Summary

Dr. João Pedro, a cardiologist, explains the serious condition of aortic stenosis, which involves the thickening and calcification of the aortic valve in the heart. This condition restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. While aortic stenosis typically occurs with age, it can also be congenital. Dr. Pedro discusses treatment options, including surgical valve replacement or balloon dilation procedures, as medications cannot reverse the damage. The video provides a clear, concise explanation aimed at raising awareness about this critical heart condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aortic stenosis is a serious condition where the aortic valve of the heart becomes calcified and stiff.
• 😀 The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, regulating blood flow to the rest of the body.
• 😀 Aortic stenosis typically results from degenerative changes that occur as people age, especially in those over 70 years old.
• 😀 In congenital cases, the aortic valve may have only two leaflets instead of three, leading to early onset of stenosis.
• 😀 As the valve becomes more calcified, its opening narrows, increasing the velocity of blood flow, often leading to a heart murmur.
• 😀 Diagnosis of aortic stenosis is confirmed through echocardiography, which shows the difficulty in opening the valve and abnormal blood flow.
• 😀 Symptoms of aortic stenosis include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, sudden death.
• 😀 Aortic stenosis causes increased pressure in the left ventricle, which may lead to heart muscle thickening and eventually heart failure.
• 😀 Medications cannot reverse the calcification or fibrosis of the valve, so surgery is typically required for treatment.
• 😀 Surgical options for treating aortic stenosis include valve replacement (using either mechanical or biological prosthetic valves).
• 😀 A less invasive treatment option is balloon valvuloplasty, where a catheter with a balloon is used to expand and open the valve.

Q & A

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a serious condition where the aortic valve in the heart becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can lead to increased pressure within the heart, causing various complications.

What is the function of the aortic valve?

The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood to the rest of the body.

What causes aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis can result from a degenerative process related to aging, where the valve becomes calcified and less flexible. It can also be caused by congenital abnormalities, such as a valve with two cusps instead of three.

How common is aortic stenosis?

Approximately 6-7% of people over the age of 70 are affected by aortic stenosis due to the natural degenerative process of aging.

What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis?

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and in severe cases, sudden cardiac death.

How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?

Aortic stenosis is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination, where a doctor may hear a heart murmur. It is confirmed with an echocardiogram, which allows doctors to see the narrowing of the valve and any blood flow abnormalities.

What happens to the heart as a result of aortic stenosis?

The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, leading to increased pressure in the left ventricle. Over time, this can cause the heart muscle to thicken or even dilate, which can impair its function.

Can aortic stenosis lead to heart failure?

Yes, if left untreated, aortic stenosis can cause the heart to fail over time, as the left ventricle becomes less effective at pumping blood due to the increased pressure and structural changes.

What treatment options are available for aortic stenosis?

The main treatment for severe aortic stenosis is valve replacement surgery, where the damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve. In some cases, a less invasive procedure called balloon valvuloplasty may be used.

What is balloon valvuloplasty?

Balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure where a catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the heart, and the balloon is inflated to expand the aortic valve, reducing the narrowing. This can provide temporary relief for patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgery.