What is Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a progressive heart condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, which blocks blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This valvular disease is the second most common type in the United States, affecting about 5% of people aged 65 years and older. The prevalence of aortic stenosis increases with age.
Early Detection and Symptoms:
Initially, aortic stenosis may not cause noticeable symptoms, but it can be identified early by a distinctive heart murmur heard with a stethoscope on a routine examination of your heart by a healthcare professional. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, chest discomfort, shortness of breath with exercise, dizziness, or fainting may develop. These are often triggered or exacerbated by physical activity. Undetected aortic stenosis can also lead to death.
Diagnostic Tools:
Diagnosis of aortic stenosis typically involves a cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram, which confirms the presence and severity of the valve obstruction. Early detection through these methods is critical for managing the disease effectively.
Treatment Options:
As the disease progresses, treatment becomes necessary. Currently, the only effective treatment is aortic valve replacement, which can be performed via open-heart surgery or through a less invasive procedure involving a small incision in the groin area. While valve replacement can be lifesaving, it carries risks such as stroke and the potential need for a permanent pacemaker. There are no approved medical treatments to slow the progression or prevent aortic stenosis.
The Importance of Understanding Lipoprotein (a):
New research findings have highlighted the role of a particular cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) (often referred to as ‘the horrible cholesterol’), in both the development and progression of aortic stenosis. Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) are linked not only to aortic stenosis but also to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease, making screening for this lipid a critical step in managing cardiovascular health. Those people who are found to have elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) have a 50-50 chance of passing this genetic condition on to their children. The current recommendation is for all adults to be checked for lipoprotein(a) with a simple blood test. Reducing lipoprotein (a) by nearly 90% with a medical treatment is now being tested in clinical trials to see if it slows the progression of aortic stenosis and the need for valve replacement.
Clinical Trials and Advances:
The National Heart Institute is at the forefront of research into new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and is currently enrolling participants with mild to moderate aortic stenosis in a clinical trial. This trial is investigating a treatment that significantly lowers lipoprotein(a) levels to determine if it can slow the progression of aortic stenosis and reduce the urgency for valve replacement.
Conclusion and How The National Heart Institute Can Help:
If you are experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis or have a family history of cardiovascular disease, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Contact the National Heart Institute for more information on participating in clinical trials or learning more about your treatment options. Early intervention could save your life.
If you have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, please contact the National Heart Institute for more information about this clinical trial.
For more information on this trial and our clinical trial program, please check our website at nationalheartinstitute.org or contact us at info@nationalheartinstitute.org.
Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular risk.
Stay tuned to the latest medical developments by visiting www.nationalheartinstitute.org to learn more. Explore NHI’s cutting-edge clinical trials that are currently enrolling.
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CLINICAL TRIALS ARE FREE AND YOU WILL BE PAID FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.
