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What Causes Narrowing Of The Aortic Valve In The Heart?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jan 2017

Question: I just had an echo cardiagram where the instrument was placed down my esophagus.

I was shown that one of the three valves in my tricuspid aorta valve does not open. The doctor said he measured the pressure on either side of the valve and it was the same and the blood flow was fine.

What do you think? How serious is this. I have been very healthy - xc ski and usually bike over 100 km / week. I am a 69 year old male.

thank you
XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Rini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Repeat echo every six month!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for your query!
This condition is called aortic stenosis.Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This restricts blood flow through the valve. The heart then needs to squeeze (contract) harder to pump blood into the aorta.Your age is 68 and you are totally asymptomatic.
Mild degeneration and calcification of valves are common in old age,As told by you pressure on either side of valve and blood flow is normal,so there is nothing to worry about this at present.
A 2d echo should be repeated every 6 month to see the progression of aortic stenosis.
Unless one of the following under mentioned symptom is present there is no need to worry-
Chest pain (angina) or tightness
Feeling faint or fainting with exertion
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity
Heart palpitations — sensations of a rapid, fluttering heartbeat

Right now i don't feel there is any need to worry ,just repeat your echo every sixth month and follow up with those reports.

If possible please attach reports of your 2d echo ,i just want to have a look on parameters and pressures.

In case you have any other query feel free to ask!

Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Rini (13 hours later)

HI

Thank you very much for your detailed answer.

I am not sure but I think I feel a mild palpitations once in awhile.

Do you think that is a symptom?

thanks again
XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Rini (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow-up consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Syncope, angina and breathlessness are usually the initial symptom of aortic stenosis.

A mild palpitation once in a while is not going to be problematic ,however if the frequency increases in near future , a 24 hour holter monitor can be attached to look for the nature of the beats.

As of now I don't think there is any need to worry !

Advice
repeat 2D-Echocardiogram after 6 months.

In case you have any other query , feel free to ask.
Please do write a review if you found our discussion helpful !
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee