Understanding Aortic Stenosis: A Guide for Patients and Loved Ones

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a condition that can feel overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed. Whether you're dealing with a newly diagnosed case or navigating life post-procedure, understanding what this means for heart health and how to manage it is crucial.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what aortic stenosis is, how it progresses, what symptoms to watch for, and how to take the best possible care of your heart.

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, affecting the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In most cases, this narrowing is caused by age-related changes, especially calcium buildup on the valve over time. As the valve stiffens, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can eventually lead to complications such as heart failure, fatigue, and chest pain.

The condition can develop gradually, and some individuals might not notice symptoms at first. But as it progresses, symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or even fainting may occur, signaling the need for medical attention.

If You’ve Just Been Diagnosed: What You Need to Know

Being diagnosed with aortic stenosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you're not alone. If you're in the early stages of the condition, you may not experience many noticeable symptoms. In fact, up to 50% of individuals with mild or moderate aortic stenosis may not experience noticeable symptoms until the disease progresses.*

However, early diagnosis is key. Regular monitoring, including echocardiograms and check-ups with your care team, allows you to track the progression of the disease and take action early. Staying proactive is your best defense.

Monitoring Your Symptoms

In the early stages, your doctor will likely advise monitoring for any changes in symptoms. These might include:

• Fatigue or feeling winded after light exercise
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Chest discomfort or pain during exertion
• Dizziness or fainting spells

These symptoms can be subtle at first, which is why regular doctor visits are so important. Your care team will use diagnostic tools, like echocardiograms, to assess the condition of the aortic valve and determine the next steps.

If You’ve Been Recommended a Procedure: How to Prepare

Hearing that you need a valve replacement—whether it’s surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) or a minimally invasive option like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)—can feel like a turning point.

TAVR is often recommended for people who may be at higher risk for open-heart surgery, while AVR remains the standard treatment in many cases. Your care team will help determine which option is best based on your overall health, heart condition, and other factors. Preparing for the procedure can bring up a lot of emotions—but understanding what to expect can ease the stress.

Before the procedure, you’ll likely go through a series of evaluations to confirm the timing and approach. These may include imaging tests, lab work, and consultations with specialists. It’s also a good time to talk through any concerns or questions you might have, including what recovery will look like and how soon you might feel relief from symptoms.

Most importantly, staying in regular contact with your care team ensures that you're well-prepared. They’ll guide you step-by-step and continue monitoring your heart health as you move toward treatment.

If You’ve Had a Procedure: Recovery and Ongoing Care

For those who have undergone treatment—such as Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)—you’ve likely experienced relief from the most severe symptoms. However, ongoing care is still essential.

After a procedure, many patients experience significant improvements in their quality of life. Studies have shown that more than 60% of patients report favorable outcomes one year post-procedure, with substantial increases in health status scores.* Still, continuous monitoring of heart health is vital for ensuring your recovery remains on track and preventing any future complications.

Recovery and Monitoring Post-Procedure

It’s crucial to stay on top of your heart health in the months following your procedure. Your doctor will likely schedule regular follow-ups to check the function of your new valve and monitor for any complications. In addition, staying active (within the limits advised by your doctor) and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can further support long-term recovery.

If you’ve had surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, continuous heart health monitoring can help give you peace of mind and ensure that you stay informed about your heart’s condition. Many people may find that around the clock heart insights, shared directly with their care team, can allow for quicker action and more personalized care.

Symptoms to Watch For: No Matter Your Stage

Whether you're newly diagnosed or recovering from a procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential symptoms that might signal a need for medical attention:

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Chest pain or tightness, especially when exerting yourself
• Shortness of breath, even during light physical activities
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen

If you experience any of these, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Catching potential complications early can make a significant difference in your recovery or disease management.

Treatment Options: From Monitoring to Procedures

The approach to managing aortic stenosis depends largely on the severity of the condition. For some, a simple “watch and wait” strategy may be sufficient, especially in the early stages. Others may need more active treatment options like surgery or valve replacement.

Medications

While no medication can cure aortic stenosis, medications can help manage symptoms. For example, beta-blockers may be prescribed to control heart rate, and diuretics may help relieve swelling caused by heart failure. These treatments can make living with aortic stenosis more manageable, especially for those with milder symptoms.

Aortic Valve Replacement

When symptoms become more severe, valve replacement becomes necessary. Both traditional surgery and minimally invasive procedures like TAVR have shown high success rates, with many patients experiencing significant relief from symptoms. Both approaches aim to restore proper blood flow and relieve strain on the heart—and have helped many patients feel stronger and more active after recovery.

Filling the Gaps Between Appointments: How 24/7 Monitoring Supports Better Care

For many, embracing new technology to monitor heart health can feel like a big leap, but it can also be empowering. Whether you're tech-savvy or prefer a more traditional approach, tools like wearable devices and near real-time heart data can offer crucial insights into your condition.

During a typical appointment, your doctor only sees a snapshot of your heart’s activity. But aortic stenosis doesn’t follow a schedule, and changes can happen at any time. Without continuous monitoring, even the best care teams are left to fill in the gaps between visits—sometimes relying on limited symptoms or patient recall to guide next steps.

Continuous insights can fill in those blanks. It gives your doctor a fuller picture of how your heart is behaving day to day, not just during a 30-minute checkup. It helps answer: How is your heart responding to medication? Are symptoms starting to change? Is your recovery on track?

That’s why a connected platform, like Prolaio, works hand-in-hand with your doctor. It continuously monitors your heart and delivers near real-time insights—so your doctor has a full picture of what’s happening between visits, and you have fewer unknowns to worry about.

Moving Forward: Your Next Steps

No matter where you are in your aortic stenosis journey—whether you’re newly diagnosed or recovering from surgery—staying informed and proactive about your heart health is key. Here’s what you can do:

1. Stay informed: Regularly check in with your doctor to track the progression of the disease.
2. Monitor your health: Whether through wearables or routine visits, staying on top of your heart health is essential for managing your condition.
3. Take action: If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team. Early intervention can make all the difference.

Taking these steps will help ensure you—or your loved one—can manage aortic stenosis effectively and live a fuller, healthier life.

Knowledge is Power

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Disclosure

*This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your condition.*

References

1. Otto CM, Prendergast B. Aortic-valve stenosis — from patients at risk to severe valve obstruction. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(25):2663-2672. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2014.02.536
   Referenced in: "up to 50% of individuals with mild or moderate aortic stenosis may not experience noticeable symptoms"

2. Arnold SV, Spertus JA, Vemulapalli S, et al. Quality-of-life outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an unselected population: a report from the STS/ACC TVT Registry. JAMA Cardiol. 2017;2(4):409-416. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2016.5401
   Referenced in: "more than 60% of patients report favorable outcomes one year post-procedure"

3. Nishimura RA, Otto CM, Bonow RO, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC focused update on the management of patients with valvular heart disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(2):252-289. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.03.011
   Referenced generally for: "TAVR vs. AVR comparison and standard treatment pathways"

4. Deloitte. Wearables in health care: getting better all the time. Deloitte Insights. Published 2022. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health-care/virtual-health.html
   Referenced in: “93% of physicians believe wearable technology tools are an advantage for patient care.”