Aortic Stenosis

Aortic Stenosis

1. Definition Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve of the heart becomes narrowed, blocking blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

2. Causes / Etiology The exact cause of aortic stenosis is not always known but it can be due to aging, high blood pressure, a heart valve problem present at birth, or a history of rheumatic fever. It can also be caused by a condition called bicuspid aortic valve.

3. Types or Classification

• Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis : This is the most common type and occurs when the aortic valve has only two cusps instead of three.
• Rheumatic Aortic Stenosis : This occurs when the aortic valve is damaged by rheumatic fever.
• Degenerative Aortic Stenosis : This type occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed due to aging and wear and tear.
• Congenital Aortic Stenosis : This type is present at birth and can be caused by a variety of factors including genetic mutations.

4. Pathology Step 1 → Blood flow obstruction : The narrowed aortic valve obstructs the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. Step 2 → Increased pressure : The narrowed valve causes an increase in pressure in the left ventricle, which can lead to heart failure. Step 3 → Heart failure : Over time, the increased pressure can cause the left ventricle to weaken and become unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

5. Clinical Features

• General features : Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue are common symptoms of aortic stenosis.
• Specific features : A heart murmur can be heard during a physical examination, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) may show abnormal heart rhythms.

6. Complications

• Acute complications : Heart failure, cardiac arrest, and death can occur if left untreated.
• Chronic complications : The narrowed valve can lead to heart failure, and the increased pressure can cause the left ventricle to weaken over time.

7. Diagnosis / Investigations

• Routine tests : Chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiogram.
• Special tests : Cardiac catheterization and angiogram.

8. Management

• General management : Regular follow-up with a doctor and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
• Modern treatment : Surgical repair or replacement of the aortic valve, or balloon valvuloplasty.
• Dietary advice : A low-sodium diet and avoiding heavy lifting or bending.

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Arsenicum album • Chest pain and shortness of breath • Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat • Anxiety and restlessness • Pale and sweaty skin • Headaches and dizziness

• Digitalis • Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat • Shortness of breath and fatigue • Swelling in the legs and ankles • Dizziness and lightheadedness • Confusion and disorientation

• Carbo vegetabilis • Shortness of breath and fatigue • Chest pain and tightness • Anxiety and restlessness • Headaches and dizziness • Diarrhea and constipation

• Ignatia • Anxiety and restlessness • Headaches and dizziness • Chest pain and shortness of breath • Irritability and mood swings • Nervous and trembling hands

• Phosphorus • Shortness of breath and fatigue • Chest pain and tightness • Anxiety and restlessness • Headaches and dizziness • Constipation and diarrhea