The course of the disease
An untreated aortic valve stenosis usually leads to a worsening of the stenosis. If the cause is valve wear and unhealthy lifestyle, calcification will progress and the valve will become increasingly narrow. Untreated, dangerous complications can occur.
The turbulent blood flow at the damaged heart valve can cause small blood clots to form, which are carried along with the blood flow and transported to the brain. There they can block a vessel and cause a stroke. Untreated aortic stenoses can also cause dangerous arrhythmias and lead to cardiac death through ventricular fibrillation. However, if a stenosed aortic valve is treated surgically, the prognosis is good and the course of the disease is positive.
Does aortic stenosis limit life expectancy?
In aortic stenosis, life expectancy depends largely on the severity of the vasoconstriction. Accompanying diseases and the general condition of the person affected are important factors. The earlier aortic stenosis is detected, the better the prognosis.
With untreated stenosis, life expectancy is greatly reduced over time and dangerous complications can occur, even unto death. If an aortic valve stenosis is successfully operated on, the prognosis today is good.
