Aortic Stenosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & New TAVR Treatment Options

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) — Aortic stenosis, a progressive narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve, is a serious condition increasingly diagnosed in older adults, though symptoms can emerge as early as a person’s 50s or 60s. The condition restricts blood flow, potentially leading to severe health consequences.

Dr. Ahmed Elkaryoni, an interventional cardiologist at Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma, explained the valve’s critical function. “There are four valves in the heart, two on the right side and two on the left,” he said. “One valve on the left side is called the aortic valve. That’s where blood would go everywhere – to the brain, supplying all the organs, the lungs, liver, kidneys and everything.”

Aortic stenosis develops over time, often due to calcium deposits on the aortic valve, causing it to stiffen, and narrow. This impedes the valve’s ability to open fully. According to Dr. Elkaryoni, the progression typically unfolds in stages – mild, moderate, and severe – and can take years. “Unfortunately, it’s a progressive disease and there is no medicine to control the progression,” he stated.

In its early stages, aortic stenosis is often asymptomatic. However, as the condition worsens, symptoms can include lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Severe cases can even lead to loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.

The rate of progression varies significantly between individuals. Dr. Elkaryoni emphasized the importance of regular monitoring, particularly as the condition advances. “People are different in the way they progress, but what we know is that every six months that valve gets a little bit more tight and the flow across the valve increases,” he explained. “We measure that with the echocardiogram.” He recommends echocardiograms every six months when a patient reaches the moderate to severe range, and treatment once the condition is classified as severe.

For years, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), involving opening the chest to operate, was the primary treatment option. However, this invasive procedure may not be suitable for elderly or frail patients. Memorial Health is preparing to offer a new, less invasive treatment option called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. Dr. Elkaryoni specializes in complex coronary and structural/valvular heart interventions, including TAVR, according to his profile on the Memorial Health website.

Dr. Elkaryoni earned his medical degree at the Alexandria School of Medicine in Egypt and completed extensive training in the United States, including fellowships at Loyola University Chicago and Brown University. He has authored over 65 peer-reviewed publications and is a frequent presenter at national and international cardiology conferences.