Signs and symptoms of aortic valve calcification

Verified by Dr. Rahul Gupta, Senior Consultant Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Aortic valve calcification, also known as aortic valve disease, is a condition that affects the aortic valve, the valve that controls the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the aortic valve becomes calcified, it becomes stiff and narrow, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood.

Causes of aortic valve calcification

• Aging
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Kidney disease

Signs and symptoms of aortic valve calcification

• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Hoarseness
• A fast-paced or irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis of aortic valve calcification

Aortic valve calcification can be diagnosed using a number of tests, including:

• Physical examination by the doctor
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Stress test
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment of aortic valve calcification

Treatment for aortic valve calcification will depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of any other medical problems. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if the condition is causing symptoms or damage to the heart, treatment may be necessary.

• Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and losing weight
• Valvuloplasty, a procedure to widen the aortic valve
• Aortic valve replacement surgery

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, or TAVI, is a non-invasive surgical procedure used to treat aortic valve calcification. TAVI was developed to overcome the risks and complications associated with traditional open-heart surgery, particularly in patients who are too ill or too old to undergo surgery. Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai is the best centre for TAVI in Navi Mumbai.

The TAVI procedure involves a catheter-based approach, where a small tube is inserted through an artery in the groin or chest and advanced to the heart. A replacement valve is then passed through the catheter and deployed over the old valve, which allows the blood to flow freely through the aortic valve.

Consult a TAVI expert in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Prevention of aortic valve calcification

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent aortic valve calcification, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Not smoking

If you experience any signs and symptoms of aortic valve calcification it is important to consult a cardiologist. Early detection and treatment can help to prevent complications of aortic valve calcification.

Consult our expert, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Senior Consultant Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.