The heart condition can advance at different rates, and typically can be classified as mild, moderate or severe
If you’ve been diagnosed with aortic stenosis (or aortic valve stenosis), you may wonder how fast aortic stenosis progresses.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This heart condition, defined by a narrowing or blockage of your aortic valve, is common in people over 65 and can progress at different rates.
“Aortic stenosis progress varies,” says cardiologist L. Leonardo Rodriguez, MD. “In some people, the progression is relatively slow. In others, it’s relatively faster and can cause serious complications like heart damage.”
Your aortic valve pushes blood to the rest of your body. When you have aortic stenosis, this valve can narrow or become obstructed — typically by a calcium buildup. This makes it more difficult for blood to pass.
Studies show that, on average, aortic stenosis gets narrower between 0.1 square centimeters to 0.3 square centimeters every year.
Certain risk factors can contribute to how fast it develops, like:
“People with kidney disease, particularly advanced kidney failure, tend to have aortic stenosis that progresses a lot faster,” notes Dr. Rodriguez. “Kidney disease affects the metabolism of calcium, so there are often deposits of calcium elsewhere in the body. One of the places this happens often is your heart valves.”
Advertisement
To determine your diagnosis and the stage of aortic stenosis, your healthcare provider may conduct one or more tests, like a cardiac CT scan or an echocardiogram. These tests can help figure out how much your aortic valve has thickened and how the leaflets (the flaps that open to let blood pass through) work.
Based on your test results, your aortic stenosis may be classified as:
How slowly or quickly aortic stenosis progresses is unique to each person and is based on their age, other medical conditions they may have and additional risk factors. For example, if you have mild aortic stenosis, it could progress quickly if you’re older than 65 or have CAD.
Dr. Rodriguez says healthcare providers also use certain classifications of aortic stenosis based on additional damage to other areas of your heart. They include:
There’s a chance you could have aortic stenosis and not even know it. Some people may not have any symptoms until their aortic stenosis progresses to the moderate or severe levels.
“Some people with moderate stenosis will have symptoms, but some of these symptoms aren’t very specific,” explains Dr. Rodriguez. “You may experience fatigue or get tired easily after exercise. That can make it difficult to sort out a diagnosis.”
That’s why it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about symptoms like chest pain, fainting and shortness of breath. They can order tests to clarify what’s causing your symptoms.
It’s important to track and manage aortic stenosis to limit how quickly it advances. Don’t let it go untreated, as severe levels can cause serious complications like heart damage and even death.
But you can be proactive about your heart health. Dr. Rodriguez says, based on the progression of your aortic stenosis, your doctor may recommend:
Advertisement
“If you need surgery, your doctor would like you to be at your healthiest at the time of surgery,” states Dr. Rodriguez. “Things like exercise, diet and medication can make a surgery less risky and the recovery will be faster.”
Bottom line? If you have aortic stenosis, improving your health is vital. And your doctors are here to help.
“We address aortic stenosis in a holistic way,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “You should do everything in your power to improve your general health and try to slow down the progression.”
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
All heart valve diseases affect your heart’s valves, but there are some differences between symptoms, risk factors and how they can impact your health
Moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, cycling and swimming, is typically recommended
If you have other cardiac symptoms, and antacids aren’t working, it’s time to call emergency services
Chronic stress can trigger palpitations, inflammation, angina and other serious heart issues
Daily stressors can increase BP in the moment, as well as contribute to habits that can feed long-term hypertension
Fainting, heart palpitations and shortness of breath are just a few signs your heart may need help
You may notice this combination when you’re exercising or after standing up too fast
Calling 911 or emergency services should always be your first step
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods