Aortic Valve Disorders
Aortic valve disease can involve valve narrowing, leakage or a congenital bicuspid valve. Led by Mr Inder Birdi (GMC 3407978), The Keyhole Heart Clinic offers personalised, minimally invasive treatment options and support for this heart disease.ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
KEYHOLE SURGERY
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Keyhole Surgery
- Keyhole Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
- Keyhole Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair
- Keyhole Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery
- Keyhole Tricuspid Valve Repair & Replacement Surgery
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Quadruple Heart Bypass Surgery
- Triple Bypass Surgery
HEART CONDITIONS
What is Aortic Valve Disease?
Your aortic heart valve is one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart, acting as a one-way door between your heart and aorta. When your heart pumps blood, it opens to let oxygen-rich blood flow out to your body, then closes to prevent it from leaking back into the aortic valve opening.
Aortic valve disease occurs when the valve is damaged and no longer functions properly. It may not open fully (restricting blood flow) or may not close completely (allowing blood to leak backwards).
Either heart problem can affect how well your heart performs and may lead to serious health issues. There are various types of aortic valve disease:
- Aortic valve stenosis: Narrowed valve, restricting blood flow.
- Aortic valve regurgitation: Valve leaks, causing blood to flow back.
- Congenital heart defects: Some are born with a two-leaflet valve (bicuspid aortic valve), increasing the risk of valvular heart disease later in life.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your GP or, in an emergency, dial 999.
Risk Factors & Causes
Aortic valve disease can develop for several reasons, including medical conditions, age-related changes, and lifestyle factors.
Medical and physical causes may include:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (a valve present from birth with two leaflets instead of three)
- Advanced age (natural wear and tear of the valve)
- Rheumatic fever
- Endocarditis (infection or inflammation of the heart valves)
- Previous chest radiation therapy
- High blood pressure
- Chest trauma
Lifestyle factors may include:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
Blood Pressure & Valve Risk
A study of 5.4 million UK adults found that higher blood pressure increases the risk of aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation. The risk was particularly noticeable in younger adults but was similar across men, women, and body weight.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, and patients suffering from aortic valve regurgitation or stenosis can take years to show any. Symptoms of aorta problems may include:
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If you experience chest pain, fainting, or sudden breathlessness, seek urgent medical care and advice.
Complications
If left untreated, aortic valve disorders can lead to serious complications, including:
- Blood clots
- Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Sudden cardiac arrest can cause death
Treatment Options for Aortic Heart Valve Disease
At the Keyhole Heart Clinic, we help patients understand their options, including TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), keyhole aortic valve replacement and repair. The best choice depends on 3 factors:
- Overall fitness: How well you are otherwise
- Personal goals: What you want for your future lifestyle
- Clinical suitability: Whether surgery or TAVI is appropriate for your heart
Keyhole Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Modern techniques allow your aortic heart valve to be replaced safely through a small keyhole incision on the right side of the chest. This avoids full open-heart surgery and preserves the breastbone, helping you recover quickly and return to normal activities.
A keyhole procedure features:
- Artificial valve placement: The new valve restores proper valve opening and blood flow.
- Faster recovery: Small incisions usually heal within 7–8 days.
- Future flexibility: If repeat surgery is needed, the intact breastbone allows easier access.
- Choice: Patients can choose the valve type that suits their health and lifestyle, either a tissue or an artificial valve.
This approach offers an effective solution for people with aortic valve problems, supporting long-term heart health and quality of life.
Surgical aortic valve replacement is a safe procedure with low risk of death or complications, whether performed alone or with coronary bypass, according to a UK review of 31,277 patients (2013–2018).
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an established treatment option for patients with serious aortic valve disease, most commonly severe aortic stenosis. Access to TAVI is currently lower in the UK than in other European countries.
Recognising this, the Keyhole Heart Clinic has developed a TAVI program to provide patients with a safe, minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The procedure replaces a diseased valve through a small incision in the leg, helping patients recover faster.
TAVI is currently recommended for those at higher risk from conventional surgery, though ongoing research is expanding its use. Most patients stay in the hospital 3 to 5 days, with some able to go home the next day.
Lifestyle Changes
While aortic valve disease becomes more common with age, certain steps may help lower your risk. A long-term population study found that smoking and high cholesterol can contribute to developing this condition over time.
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Stop smoking: Smoking was associated with faster valve changes in the study.
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Manage cholesterol: higher cholesterol levels are linked to aortic valve narrowing.
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Adopt heart-healthy habits: Regular activity, a balanced diet, exercise and routine health checks support long-term heart valve health.
This information is for general guidance only. For personalised advice, please speak with your GP or heart specialist about any lifestyle changes. Support from a cardiac dietitian may also help you make positive, sustainable changes.
Schedule an appointment at the Keyhole Heart Clinic to discuss any aortic valve problems, either in person or over Zoom from wherever you are.
References
- Ali N, Faour A, Rawlins J, Dawkins S, Appleby CE, MacCarthy P, et al. ‘Valve for Life’: tackling the deficit in transcatheter treatment of heart valve disease in the UK. Open Heart. 2021;8:e001547. https://doi.org/10.1136/openhrt-2020-001547
- Jahangiri M, Bilkhu R, Embleton-Thirsk A, et alSurgical aortic valve replacement in the era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a review of the UK national database. BMJ Open 2021;11:e046491. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046491
- Rahimi K et al, Elevated blood pressure and risk of aortic valve disease: a cohort analysis of 5.4 million UK adults, European Heart Journal, Volume 39, Issue 39, 14 October 2018, Pages 3596–3603, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy486
- Stewart, B, Siscovick, D, Lind, B. et al. Clinical Factors Associated With Calcific Aortic Valve Disease fn1. JACC. 1997 Mar, 29 (3) 630–634. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-1097(96)00563-3
Medically reviewed by Mr Inderpaul Birdi, MBBS, MD, FRCS (CTh)
Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Clinical Lead, The Keyhole Heart Clinic
GMC Registration: 3407978
Mr Inder Birdi is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon specialising in minimally invasive (keyhole) heart surgery. He has extensive experience in treating heart disease, such as aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation.
He supports early diagnosis through comprehensive heart screening, helping patients identify cardiac issues before symptoms develop. As Clinical Lead at The Keyhole Heart Clinic, he is committed to evidence-based care and clear, patient-focused information.
Services
How We Can Help You
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Keyhole Surgery
Keyhole Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Keyhole Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair
Keyhole Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery
Keyhole Tricuspid Valve Repair & Replacement Surgery
Mitral Valve Repair
Quadruple Heart Bypass Surgery
