Patients who learn the best course of action for their mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis is to \u201cwatch and wait\u201d are typically not relieved by this news.<\/p>\n
On one hand, it\u2019s a comfort to know that surgery can be delayed until the stenosis is classified as severe. Still, it can be stressful knowing that the only option is to wait until the valve gets much worse before having a surgical replacement. Despite their worry and stress, patients can rest assured that their cardiologist or surgeon will continue to monitor their valve with regular check-ups and echocardiograms to make sure the stenosis is not progressing. However, as time goes by and patients start experiencing fatigue or shortness of breath, they can\u2019t help but wonder why the standard of care is simply to wait until things get worse.<\/p>\n
We receive many questions from anxious patients who feel stuck in the uncertainty of the watchful waiting stage. The latest question comes from Catherine, who asked, \u201cI\u2019m 73 and I have moderate aortic stenosis. I was told that I can get a replacement only when the stenosis is severe. I have been tired for months. Both my parents died from heart disease. Why do I have to wait?\u201d To answer Catherine\u2019s question, we met with Dr. Craig Baker<\/a>, the Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, California.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n