Does your heart need a valve job?
In aortic stenosis, calcium deposits build up on the aortic valve, causing it to stiffen and narrow. Symptoms include shortness of breath during activity, feeling lightheaded or faint, and sometimes chest pain. About three to four of every 100 people ages 75 and older have severe aortic stenosis. Replacing the valve, which is usually done with minimally invasive surgery, is the only treatment option.
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