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Aortic valve stenosis is a common heart valve disease in the elderly, caused primarily by age-related degeneration. What makes this condition especially dangerous is that it often presents no symptoms until the narrowing becomes severe, placing patients at significant risk of heart failure or sudden death if left untreated.
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<h2>Why Are Heart Valves So Important?</h2>
The heart functions as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body. The heart valves act like doors that control blood flow in and out of each chamber of the heart. When a valve becomes damaged or fails to function properly, the heart muscle must work harder, which may eventually lead to heart failure or even death.
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<h2>Calcium Buildup: The Leading Cause of Valve Narrowing</h2>
Aortic valve stenosis is primarily an age-related condition. Over time, the heart endures continuous strain, leading to calcium deposits on the valve leaflets—particularly the aortic valve, which sits between the heart’s left ventricle and the aorta. This valve handles the highest pressure due to its role in pumping blood to the rest of the body. Consequently, elderly patients commonly experience aortic valve narrowing.
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<h2>Dizziness or Fainting in the Elderly Should Not Be Ignored</h2>
In elderly individuals, symptoms such as chest tightness, fainting, or dizziness may indicate severe aortic stenosis. At this stage, the heart can no longer function efficiently, and life expectancy without treatment may be as short as two years. These warning signs require immediate medical evaluation.
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<h2>The Older You Get, the More Important Heart Screening Becomes</h2>
Because aortic stenosis usually does not cause symptoms until it becomes critical, individuals aged 60 and above are encouraged to undergo routine cardiac assessments. Key diagnostic tools include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Electrocardiogram (EKG)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Echocardiogram (ECHO) – to evaluate valve function and assess the severity of narrowing</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Is Surgery Always the Best Option? Not Necessarily</h2>
Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been the standard treatment. However, for older patients, postoperative recovery can be prolonged due to slower healing. Although the success rate of surgery is high, it involves a complex and invasive procedure—including opening the chest, using a heart-lung machine, and several hours in the operating room.
Surgical intervention may also be unsuitable for patients with a history of prior heart surgery, stroke, or limited physical independence. Therefore, surgery may not be the optimal solution for every patient.
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<h2>TAVI: A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Open-Heart Surgery</h2>
To address these limitations, TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) was developed. This technique involves inserting a small, artificial valve via the femoral artery in the groin, eliminating the need for open-chest surgery. TAVI leaves only a small incision, requires minimal recovery time, and is especially ideal for elderly or high-risk patients.
Studies have shown that TAVI offers outcomes comparable to traditional surgery, with fewer complications and lower mortality rates—making it a highly effective treatment option for aortic stenosis.
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<h2>What About Long-Term Results?</h2>
While TAVI is an excellent alternative for older patients, long-term outcomes beyond 5 years are not yet well-established. Therefore, for younger patients, surgical valve replacement may still be the most appropriate choice, offering durability of up to 20 years.
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Aortic valve stenosis is a common heart valve disease in the elderly, caused primarily by age-related degeneration. 

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Aortic Valve Stenosis in the Elderly: A Silent Condition That Can Be Life-Threatening

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