Aortic Stenosis Treatment in New Jersey
Aortic stenosis is a heart condition that occurs when the aortic valve - the valve that controls blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body - becomes narrowed. This narrowing makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms that may worsen over time.
At Hackensack Meridian Health, our expert cardiologists use advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatments to detect aortic stenosis early and restore your heart’s function.
What is Aortic Stenosis?
Located between the left atrium and left ventricle - two chambers of the heart - the aortic valve opens and closes with every heartbeat, allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow through the body.
When the valve becomes stiff or narrowed, often due to calcium buildup, aging or congenital defects, it forces the heart to work harder. If left untreated, this can lead to symptoms of heart failure or other serious complications.
Aortic stenosis most often affects adults over 60, but it can occur earlier in life, especially in those born with a bicuspid (two-leaflet) aortic valve instead of a normal tricuspid valve.
A cardiologist can diagnose aortic stenosis and assess its severity. At Hackensack Meridian Health, our cardiology and structural heart specialists work together to confirm your diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan — including advanced, minimally invasive procedures that can restore your quality of life.
Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis often progresses slowly, and many people don’t notice symptoms until the condition becomes more serious. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Fatigue or getting tired more easily
- Chest pain or pressure
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
If these symptoms come on suddenly, or if your chest pain is severe, call 911 immediately.
Diagnosing Aortic Stenosis
Because aortic stenosis can develop gradually, regular heart screenings play an important role in catching it early. Your doctor may listen with a stethoscope to see if they hear a heart murmur, which can lead to further tests, such as:
- Echocardiogram (Echo): The primary test used to visualize your heart valves and measure blood flow.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures your heart’s electrical activity.
- Cardiac CT Scan: Provides detailed images of calcium buildup and valve structure.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Uses a thin tube (catheter) threaded through an artery to let doctors see inside your heart.
Our specialists use these diagnostic tools to determine the severity of your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to learn more.
Treatment for Aortic Stenosis
Treatment options for aortic stenosis depend on the severity of the disease and whether you’re experiencing symptoms. There are two main courses of treatment: minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and traditional open-heart valve surgery. Both are highly effective, but the right fit will depend on your health, age and surgical risk.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the damaged valve using a thin catheter inserted through the leg. For many people, especially older adults or those with other health conditions, TAVR offers an effective and safer alternative to open-heart surgery. Most patients are awake during the procedure, experience less pain and return home within just a day or two.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a valve or structural heart problem, start with a cardiologist. They can refer you to a structural heart specialist for further testing. From there, a multidisciplinary heart care team can determine whether TAVR or another treatment is right for you.
Already have a referral for a structural heart specialist? Use our online tool to find a doctor.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
In some cases, open-heart surgery may be the best option. During a surgical aortic valve replacement, the damaged valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological valve. This approach provides long-lasting results and may be ideal for younger or lower-risk patients.
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis. What Now?
If you’ve been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, it’s important that you see your cardiologist annually to talk about your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. More advanced cases of the disease may require more frequent visits.
When appropriate, your cardiologist can refer you to a structural heart specialist, who can determine if you are a candidate for TAVR or surgical valve replacement.
Remember, regular communication with your cardiologist is key to managing your diagnosis. If you’ve been experiencing worsening symptoms like shortness of breath, new and unexplained fatigue, fainting or dizziness, tell your doctor. Some cases can progress quickly, even in patients with mild or moderate aortic stenosis.
What Happens During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
The surgeon performing a TAVR procedure makes a small incision in the groin and uses sophisticated imaging technology to guide a tiny, hollow tube called a catheter through your blood vessel.
A deflated balloon with an artificial valve wrapped around it is attached to the catheter. Once it’s in position near the aortic valve, the surgeon inflates the balloon to gently nudge the faulty valve out of the way and replace it with the artificial valve. The surgeon then removes the balloon and the catheter. The new valve remains open permanently to allow normal blood flow.
Patients are awake during this painless procedure, which takes 90 minutes to two hours. Because TAVR is minimally invasive, patients experience less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery than those who undergo open-heart surgery. Most patients leave the hospital within a day or two and can return to regular activities within three or four days.
Why Trust Hackensack Meridian Health With Your Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?
Hackensack Meridian Health is nationally ranked for our expertise in aortic valve surgery, including minimally invasive aortic valve replacement including TAVR. Thousands of Hackensack Meridian Health patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis have benefitted from TAVR as an alternative to surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aortic stenosis is a progressive condition, which means it tends to get worse over time - but with the right care, many people go on to live full, active lives. The key is early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Without treatment, severe aortic stenosis can limit your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and may eventually become life-threatening. But procedures like TAVR and surgical valve replacement have transformed outcomes for patients, enabling most individuals to return to their normal activities with renewed energy and improved quality of life.
If you’ve been told you have aortic stenosis, it’s important to stay in close contact with your cardiologist and talk about the right time for treatment.
Aortic stenosis is most common in adults over 60, but it can occur earlier. Risk factors include:
- Age-related valve calcification (calcium buildup that stiffens the valve)
- Congenital valve defects, such as a bicuspid aortic valve
- History of rheumatic fever or prior valve infection (endocarditis)
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Smoking or a family history of heart disease
Regular appointments with your cardiologist and routine heart screenings can help catch early changes in valve function — even before symptoms appear.
Eligibility depends on the severity of your aortic stenosis, your age, overall health and surgical risk. Many patients who are considered high- or intermediate-risk for open-heart surgery are good candidates for TAVR. Your cardiologist and structural heart team will review your test results and discuss the best option for you.
