Treatments for a stiff, narrow aortic valve
Ask the doctor
I'm 74, and my doctor says severe aortic stenosis is causing me to feel breathless and faint, and that I need treatment soon: either surgery or something called TAVR. Neither sounds particularly appealing. Can't I just take medicine?The most common cause of aortic stenosis is buildup of calcium deposits on the valve, which can develop with aging. In general, people like you have three options: open heart surgery to replace the defective valve, a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), or medicine. Which option is best depends on your symptoms, how severely narrowed your valve is, and your general health. For example, if you have another serious illness that increases your risk from surgery or TAVR and limits your life expectancy, medicines may be the best option.
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