What to expect after an aortic stenosis diagnosis
By ShareMD Connect
Aortic stenosis is a serious diagnosis. Even if you're not experiencing symptoms, research shows that damage to your heart may already be occurring.
If left untreated, aortic stenosis can significantly disrupt your life. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping may appear or worsen over time, and in severe cases, aortic stenosis can be life-threatening. The good news? With a timely diagnosis and ongoing management, most patients can continue or resume most, if not all, regular activities.
After your aortic stenosis diagnosis, you probably left the doctor's office with a list of follow-up tasks and appointments. But often, you may feel you have a handle on your diagnosis and treatment plan while at your doctor's office but realize you have additional questions by the time you get home.
Below is a list of common questions that will help you better understand what comes next after learning you have aortic stenosis.
Yes. Even if your doctor hasn't recommended one, it's essential to consult a specialist.
A cardiology specialist has spent years studying to become an expert in their field. On top of their core medical training, residency, and board licensure, they've likely completed at least one fellowship. They may even participate in research and trials.
Your treatment options will depend on your case, but cardiologists have more expertise in treating aortic stenosis because they handle more patients with the disease than other physicians.
Additionally, cardiology specialists never stop learning about aortic stenosis. They must stay current on new advances in their field to preserve their board certifications.
Often, they must fulfill continuing education requirements and renew their licenses every few years. By adhering to these guidelines, board-certified cardiologists remain up-to-date on procedures and scientific research into the causes of aortic stenosis, enabling them to provide their patients with the most effective treatment plans.
This advanced knowledge means that a specialist can better gauge the full extent of your condition and recommend the best treatment for you.
No. You can seek advice from relatives, close friends, or other medical providers, but it's essential to investigate the qualifications and experience of each cardiologist you're considering.
Board certification is one of the most crucial considerations when choosing a cardiology specialist. A board certification verifies that the physician has the education, practical experience, and knowledge required to deliver effective treatment. Additionally, be sure the cardiologist has never been the subject of a malpractice claim or disciplinary action.
As you're going through this selection process, remember that selecting a cardiologist covered by your insurance plan may be necessary if you want to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Yes. An aortic stenosis diagnosis often comes with a panel of tests.
While the cost and time of additional tests are important considerations, it's more important to realize that accurate test results can change your outcomes and give you a sense of your disease's seriousness.
People without symptoms will need frequent monitoring because aortic stenosis usually worsens with time.
From time to time, you may get an ultrasound of the heart (known as echocardiography) and other examinations like an exercise stress test or cardiac catheterization. In some cases, a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) is required to get an even better look at the valve.
You and your cardiologist will decide on a timetable for testing and monitoring and determine whether and when additional therapy is necessary.
While medication alone cannot treat aortic stenosis, it can manage your symptoms and be a critical part of an overall treatment plan.
You must strictly follow your doctor's and pharmacist's medication instructions. Call your doctor immediately if you have strange side effects, have questions about your medicine, or if something doesn't seem right. Your cardiologist will keep you on the path to recovery and alter your medication as necessary.
Never miss doses, adjust your dosage, or stop taking your medicine without speaking with your doctor. It may be tempting to take less medicine or stop altogether when you're no longer experiencing symptoms, but you should always consult your doctor before making any modifications. Your medication will not work as intended if it is taken incorrectly.
Absolutely.
If left untreated, severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis has a 50% mortality rate after one year and close to 90% after five years. That means that - if left untreated - you only have a 10% chance of living for longer than five years.
Aortic stenosis damages your heart - even if you don't have symptoms - and you could be a candidate for surgery much sooner than you think.
Even if your condition is mild, proper disease management gives you a much better chance at a higher quality of life and has the potential to prolong your lifespan.
Although aortic stenosis is a serious disease that requires careful monitoring, with the proper treatment and the right provider team, you can manage your aortic stenosis and get back to doing the things you love.