When your heart valve stenosis, a condition where one or more heart valves become stiff and narrow, restricting blood flow. Also known as valvular stenosis, it forces your heart to pump harder to push blood through the blocked opening. This isn’t just a wear-and-tear issue—it’s a mechanical failure that can quietly strain your heart for years before symptoms show up.
There are two main types you’re likely to hear about: aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the left ventricle and the aorta, often caused by calcium buildup over time, and mitral stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the left atrium and ventricle, usually linked to past rheumatic fever. Both cut off blood flow, but they affect different parts of the heart and show up in different ways. Aortic stenosis is more common in older adults, while mitral stenosis is rarer today thanks to better treatment of strep throat decades ago.
Signs aren’t always obvious. You might feel tired after walking up stairs, get short of breath during light activity, or notice your heart skipping beats. Some people mistake it for aging or being out of shape. But if your heart is working overtime to push blood through a tight valve, it’s not just fatigue—it’s a warning. Left untreated, this can lead to heart failure, irregular rhythms, or sudden cardiac events.
What helps? It depends on how bad it is. Mild cases might just need monitoring. But once symptoms appear or the valve narrows past a certain point, surgery becomes the only real fix. Options include replacing the valve with a mechanical or biological one, or repairing it with a minimally invasive procedure like TAVR. Medications can ease symptoms—like diuretics for swelling or beta-blockers to slow your heart—but they don’t fix the blockage. No pill opens a calcified valve.
People often ask if lifestyle changes can reverse it. The short answer: no. You can’t eat your way out of a narrowed valve. But staying active, watching your salt intake, and controlling blood pressure can help your heart cope better while you wait for treatment. Avoiding infections like endocarditis matters too—always tell your dentist you have valve stenosis before any procedure.
What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just theory. You’ll see real-world advice on managing symptoms, understanding test results like echocardiograms, recognizing when it’s time to push for surgery, and comparing treatment options that actually work. There’s also guidance on what to ask your cardiologist, how to track your progress, and what to do if you’re told to wait—but you’re not feeling okay. This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing when to act, what to expect, and how to take control before your heart gives out.
