Aortic Stenosis Symptoms and Their Impact on the Body

Aortic stenosis can manifest through a variety of clinical symptoms, primarily due to the heart's reduced ability to supply adequate blood flow to the peripheral areas of the body. This limited blood circulation can affect multiple organs and systems, leading to a range of health complications.

Effects on the Brain

When blood flow to the brain is compromised, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and temporary vision disturbances like blackouts. In more severe cases, this lack of cerebral perfusion can lead to complete loss of consciousness, posing a significant risk for falls and other injuries.

Cardiac Complications

The heart itself is also heavily impacted by aortic stenosis. Reduced blood flow through the aortic valve can impair the coronary arteries' ability to supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This can result in chest pain, medically known as angina. If the condition progresses without intervention, it may even lead to a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, due to prolonged ischemia.

Progression to Heart Failure

Over time, the increased workload on the heart caused by the narrowed aortic valve leads to compensatory mechanisms such as left ventricular hypertrophy—thickening of the heart muscle. While this adaptation initially helps maintain cardiac output, it eventually results in diminished heart function. Patients may begin to feel short of breath, especially during physical activity, along with palpitations and a sensation of tightness in the chest. These are classic signs of heart failure, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of untreated aortic stenosis.

Impact on Kidney Function

Reduced renal perfusion is another concerning consequence of aortic stenosis. When the kidneys receive less blood flow over an extended period, their ability to filter waste and regulate fluid balance diminishes. This gradual decline in kidney function can contribute to hypertension and, in advanced cases, chronic kidney disease.

Recognizing the diverse symptoms of aortic stenosis is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Patients experiencing unexplained dizziness, chest discomfort, or fatigue should seek medical evaluation to assess heart valve function and prevent potential complications.