Aortic Stenosis
What are the treatments for the condition?
A goal of treatment is to allow the heart to get more blood into general
circulation. Various medicines can help improve overall blood supply to the
body and the heart. They can also help reduce the person's symptoms.
In some cases, surgery is recommended to correct the
aortic stenosis. Balloon valvuloplasty is a technique that lowers the pressure
across the valve by slightly enlarging the opening. This is usually done when
someone is not stable enough for corrective surgery. More often, heart valve surgery is performed to
correct the problem with the aortic valve.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medicines used to treat aortic stenosis can cause a variety of side
effects. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Successful replacement of the valve restores normal blood flow. The long-term
outcome is usually very good. Artificial valves wear out over a period of
years. Their function is monitored, and the valves are replaced as necessary.
Some artificial valves require that the person take:
antibiotics before and after surgeries or dental work to avoid serious
heart infections
blood-thinning drugs to avoid blood clots, such as deep venous
thrombosis
How is the condition monitored?
An individual with aortic stenosis will have regular visits with
the healthcare provider. The provider may order regular
electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to detect any signs
of deterioration. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the
provider.
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