Your heart is a hardworking pump, and one of its most important parts is a tiny flap called the aortic valve. Although it’s only about the size of a quarter, this valve plays a key role in keeping blood flowing the right way, out of your heart and through your body.
The role of the aortic valve
The aortic valve sits between the heart’s left ventricle (its main pumping chamber) and the aorta, the large artery that sends oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. Every time your heart beats, the valve opens to let blood out and then closes to keep it from flowing backward.
Think of it like a door that only swings one way — open to release blood, closed to protect the heart.
When the aortic valve narrows
Sometimes the valve becomes stiff and doesn’t open properly. This condition is called aortic stenosis. When the valve narrows, the heart has to work harder to push blood through the small opening. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart and limit blood flow to the body.
Common symptoms of aortic stenosis include:
- Chest pain or pressure. The discomfort may get worse with activity and reach into the arm, neck or jaw. The chest also may feel tight or squeezed.
- Shortness of breath during activity
- Feeling tired or weak
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Heartbeat that you can feel (also called palpitations).
If severe aortic stenosis isn’t treated, it can lead to heart failure or even sudden death. That’s why early diagnosis is critical.
When is surgery needed?
In mild cases, doctors may monitor the valve with regular checkups and imaging. But when the narrowing becomes serious and symptoms appear, surgery is usually needed to replace the faulty valve.
There are several ways to do this:
Traditional open-heart surgery
This well-known approach involves opening the chest to remove the damaged valve and replace it with a new one, either mechanical or made from animal tissue. Recovery usually takes several weeks, but the results can be life-changing.
- Mechanical valves: are very durable and can last a lifetime; however, this type of valve requires taking blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots. Mechanical valves should not be used for women of child-bearing age or for people at risk of bleeding or falling.
- Animal tissue valves: come from animal (pig, cow or horse) and donor human heart tissue. These valves do not pose the same risk of blood clots as mechanical valves. They are less durable, however, and need to be replaced every 10 or 20 years.
Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery
In some cases, surgeons use robotic tools and small incisions between the ribs. This technique may offer:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller scars
- Quicker return to normal activities
Not everyone qualifies for robotic surgery, but it’s a great option for some. Here is a story about a patient I treated successfully using robotic-assisted surgery.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
For older adults or patients with other health problems, TAVR offers a less invasive choice. Instead of opening the chest, doctors insert a thin tube called a catheter through a blood vessel —often in the leg — and guide a folded-up valve to the heart. Once in place, the valve expands and starts working right away.
Advantages of TAVR:
- Less trauma to the body
- Shorter recovery time
- Can be done under light sedation
TAVR is ideal for patients considered “high-risk” for traditional surgery. Your heart team will help determine if it’s the right option for you.
Final thoughts
The aortic valve might be small, but it plays a vital role in your health. When it narrows, the heart struggles, and symptoms can appear quickly. Luckily, today’s treatments, including TAVR and robotic surgery, offer safe and effective ways to get your heart back on track.
If you’re noticing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor and get your heart evaluated. The earlier the issue is caught, the better your outcome can be.
To connect with our program at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, call 770-219-1900 or click the button below.