What is Aortic Stenosis, a Normal Ageing Symptom That Signals a Dangerous Heart Condition

There are many signs in our body that we attribute to normal ageing and sometimes ignore. Among them is aortic stenosis, a prevalent heart condition among seniors, which occurs when calcium deposits on the aortic valve, causing a stiff and narrow valve. “When the valve becomes narrow, it forces the heart to overexert itself in pumping blood to the body,” said Dr Anand R Shenoy, consultant, interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospital. According to Dr Dhenoy, many seniors experience a variety of symptoms like breathlessness, dizziness, and fatigue, which they often dismiss as part of growing older. However, if left untreated, aortic stenosis can be extremely dangerous. “This emphasizes the necessity of timely diagnosis and proper management. In

the case of older patients who may not be candidates for open heart surgery, there are new and less invasive methods that are safe and effective, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation,” he added.

A frightening night and an unexpected diagnosis

It was in the wake of a shocking incident that 72-year-old retired college principal Sundaresh (name changed) realized he had been living with this condition. One evening, he suddenly and abruptly woke up feeling very uneasy with severe shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. His son began to panic; he was watching his father’s breath coming in short gulps. Although a glass of water and a few minutes of reassurance brought some relief, the fear of a serious medical event prompted the family to rush him to a nearby hospital. Doctors initially suspected a stroke, and neurological tests were conducted. While these revealed no issues in the brain, a cardiology evaluation uncovered an abnormality in his heart valve that required further attention.

Assessing the heart: Identifying severe aortic stenosis

Further evaluation revealed that calcium deposits had caused Sundaresh’s aortic valve to become extremely stiff and narrow. This severely restricted blood flow and explained the sudden shortness of breath he had experienced that night. Because of his age and overall health profile, traditional open-heart surgery carried higher risks, so a minimally invasive procedure like TAVI was considered a safer and more suitable option.

What is TAVI, and how is it conducted?

TAVI replaces the diseased valve without the need to open the chest. Instead, a new valve is inserted through a thin tube, usually through an artery in the groin. In Sundaresh’s case, the Vitaflow Liberty valve was used, which electrically retrieves and repositions during the procedure, allowing the medical team greater control and precision. Its natural tissue flaps and soft double-layered cover provide better support and help reduce the risk of blood leaking around the edges.

A quick recovery and return to normal life

Sundaresh’s recovery was swift. His heart function improved immediately after the procedure. Within two days, he was walking, eating normally, and feeling comfortable. He was discharged soon after. Reflecting on his improved quality of life, he said, “Today, I can walk around my house, eat normally, and take care of my daily chores on my own.”