Questions to Ask

If you've been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, there are several key questions that you should ask your heart specialist during your next visit. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have discussed your major risk factors so that you can become or stay as healthy as possible.

• I feel lightheaded at times; can this be associated with aortic stenosis?
• How often should my physician monitor my aortic valve for changes in its area?
• What is the appropriate timing for cardiac surgery to treat aortic valve stenosis?
• What symptoms of aortic valve stenosis would push me towards having my valve repaired?
• Am I a good candidate for less invasive treatment approaches for aortic valve stenosis, such as a TranscatheterAortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?
• Are there any medications that I should stop taking after being diagnosed with aortic stenosis?
• Should I limit my physical activity because of aortic valve stenosis?
• Is my valve bicuspid (meaning it has two leaflets)? If so, how does this predispose me to aortic stenosis?
• What changes happen to the heart after having aortic stenosis over time?
• Can aortic valve stenosis lead to chest pain?
• What symptoms of aortic valve stenosis should prompt me to seek immediate medical care?