Question 1

What is Aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve stenosis is a heart condition where the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. It is caused by progressive calcification of the valve leaflets, often accelerated by elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. The Lipoprotein(a) test is the most important blood test for assessing cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to valve calcification and stenosis progression.

Question 2

What causes aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve stenosis is caused by progressive calcification and thickening of the aortic valve leaflets, which narrows the valve opening and restricts blood flow. The most common cause in older adults is age-related calcium buildup on the valve, similar to hardening of the arteries. Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels significantly accelerate this calcification process by depositing calcium on the valve tissue. In younger people, congenital heart defects like bicuspid aortic valve or rheumatic fever from untreated strep infections can also cause valve damage and stenosis over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

The Lipoprotein(a) test is the most important blood test for aortic valve stenosis because it measures a specific lipoprotein strongly linked to valve calcification and disease progression. Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels directly contribute to calcium deposits forming on the aortic valve, making this test essential for assessing your cardiovascular risk factors. While aortic valve stenosis is primarily diagnosed through echocardiograms and imaging studies that visualize the valve structure and blood flow, the Lipoprotein(a) blood test helps identify patients at higher risk for developing or worsening stenosis. This information allows your healthcare provider to monitor progression and develop strategies to manage risk factors that accelerate valve deterioration.

Question 4

When should I get tested for aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like chest pain or pressure during physical activity, shortness of breath with exertion or when lying down, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting episodes. Testing is also important if you have a heart murmur detected during a physical exam, a family history of heart valve disease, or known risk factors like high cholesterol or elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. If you were born with a bicuspid aortic valve or had rheumatic fever as a child, regular monitoring is essential even without symptoms, as these conditions significantly increase your risk for developing stenosis over time.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve stenosis symptoms often develop gradually as the valve narrows over time. Common symptoms include chest pain or tightness during physical activity, shortness of breath especially with exertion or when lying flat, unusual fatigue during normal activities, dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting episodes particularly during exercise. You might also notice heart palpitations, rapid or fluttering heartbeat, or swollen ankles and feet as the condition progresses. Many people have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular check-ups are important if you have risk factors for heart valve disease.

Question 6

Who is at risk for aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Older adults over age 65 are at highest risk for aortic valve stenosis due to age-related calcium buildup on the valve. People with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes face increased risk because these conditions accelerate valve calcification. Those born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which has two leaflets instead of three, are more likely to develop stenosis at a younger age. Additional risk factors include chronic kidney disease, history of rheumatic fever, radiation therapy to the chest, and family history of heart valve disease.

Question 7

What happens if aortic valve stenosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated aortic valve stenosis progressively worsens and can lead to serious heart complications. As the valve continues to narrow, your heart must work harder to pump blood through the restricted opening, eventually causing the heart muscle to weaken and fail. This can result in heart failure with symptoms like severe shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs and legs, and life-threatening arrhythmias. Severe stenosis significantly increases your risk for sudden cardiac death, stroke, and heart attack. Once symptoms develop, survival rates decline rapidly without treatment, making early detection and monitoring crucial for preventing these potentially fatal complications.

Question 8

Can aortic valve stenosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve stenosis cannot be diagnosed directly with a blood test, but blood work plays an important supporting role in assessment and risk evaluation. The primary diagnostic tool is an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to visualize the valve structure, measure the opening size, and assess blood flow. However, the Lipoprotein(a) blood test is valuable for identifying cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to valve calcification and disease progression. This test helps your healthcare provider understand your risk profile and develop strategies to slow stenosis progression, even though imaging studies remain essential for confirming the diagnosis and determining severity.

Question 9

How is aortic valve stenosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve stenosis treatment depends on the severity of your condition and symptoms. Mild stenosis without symptoms typically requires regular monitoring with echocardiograms and managing risk factors like high cholesterol and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. Moderate to severe stenosis usually requires valve replacement, either through open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement, where a new valve is inserted through a catheter. Medications cannot cure stenosis but may help manage symptoms and related conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure. Your cardiologist will recommend the best treatment approach based on your valve function, symptoms, and overall health.

Question 10

How can I prevent aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent congenital valve defects or age-related changes, you can slow stenosis progression by managing cardiovascular risk factors. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels through diet and medication if needed, as high cholesterol accelerates valve calcification. Control blood pressure and blood sugar if you have diabetes, and avoid smoking, which damages blood vessels and heart valves. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support overall cardiovascular health. Get prompt treatment for strep throat infections to prevent rheumatic fever, and attend regular check-ups if you have risk factors or a family history of heart valve disease.

Question 11

What can I do at home for aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on heart-healthy lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular health and slow disease progression. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats and processed foods. Stay physically active with your doctor's approval, but avoid sudden intense exertion that could trigger symptoms. Monitor your symptoms daily and report any changes like increased shortness of breath or chest pain to your healthcare provider immediately. Take all prescribed medications as directed, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and get adequate sleep. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking or secondhand smoke exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Aortic Valve Stenosis Blood Test

What is Aortic valve stenosis?

What causes aortic valve stenosis?

What is the best test for aortic valve stenosis?

When should I get tested for aortic valve stenosis?

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