Any way to treat aortic stenosis besides valve replacement surgery?

Any way to treat aortic stenosis besides valve replacement surgery?

• Any way to treat the calcification of the valves? Is valvotomy only an option for youths?

• Answer:

  A patient with aortic stenosis may need to reduce activity to protect from heart failure. Ask the doctor what a safe level of exercise is for the patient. Make sure that anyone caring for the patient knows of the condition and reduced activity requirement. Patients with mild aortic stenosis do not require treatment or restriction of activity. Patients with moderate aortic stenosis are advised to avoid strenuous activities such as weight lifting or sprinting. Aortic stenosis can progress over a few years. The prognosis for patients with aortic stenosis without valve replacement surgery is poor. Medical therapy, such as the use of diuretics to reduce high lung pressures and remove lung fluid can provide only temporary relief of symptoms. Patients with symptoms usually undergo cardiac catheterization. If severe aortic stenosis is confirmed, aortic valve replacement is usually recommended. The overall mortality risk for aortic valve replacement surgery is about 5%. Advanced age should not be a reason for not recommending aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. Take care always.