By | April 17, 2025
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How To Avoid Aortic Stenosis

Avoiding aortic stenosis—a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart—is a bit more complex because some causes are age-related or genetic. That said, you can reduce your risk or slow its progression with lifestyle choices and regular medical care. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor:

❤️ 1. Keep Your Heart Healthy

  • Why: Aortic stenosis is often linked to heart disease and calcification of the valve.
  • How:
    • Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
    • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
    • Eat a heart-healthy diet (more on that below!).

🩺 2. Get Regular Checkups

  • Why: Early signs of valve disease (like a murmur) are often caught during routine exams.
  • How:
    • Annual physicals are key, especially after age 50.
    • If you have a family history of valve disease, let your doctor know.

🧫 3. Treat Infections Promptly

  • Why: Untreated strep throat or other infections can lead to rheumatic fever, which damages the aortic valve.
  • How:
    • Take antibiotics as prescribed.
    • Don’t ignore a sore throat that lasts longer than a few days—get it checked.

🧬 4. Know Your Family History

  • Why: Some people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve (instead of three flaps), which increases stenosis risk.
  • What to Do:
    • If a parent or sibling has valve disease, ask your doctor if you should get an echocardiogram.

🥦 5. Eat a Heart-Friendly Diet

  • Why: Prevents plaque buildup and valve calcification.
  • What to Eat:
    • Lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), and lean protein.
    • Limit sodium, red meat, and processed foods.

🚶 6. Stay Active

  • Why: Regular exercise helps control weight, BP, and cholesterol—key in preventing heart valve issues.
  • Tip: 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is a solid goal (walking, swimming, cycling, etc.).

🚫 7. Avoid Smoking

  • Why: Smoking speeds up atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and valve calcification.
  • What to Do:
    • Quit if you smoke.
    • Avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.

🧘 8. Manage Chronic Conditions

  • Why: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all increase heart valve stress.
  • How:
    • Stick to your treatment plan.
    • Monitor levels regularly.

⚠️ Bonus: Watch for Early Signs

  • Why: Aortic stenosis can be silent until it’s severe.
  • Common symptoms (especially during activity):
    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Dizziness or fainting
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fatigue