Heart problems can come in many forms, including in commonly seen conditions, such as AFib and valve disease. MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center remains on the cutting edge of treatment options and technology for these conditions.

When a heart’s aortic valve narrows, it can prevent the valve from completely opening. Known as aortic valve stenosis, blood flow from your heart to your aorta, which carries blood out of the heart to the rest of the body, is reduced. As a result, your heart has to work harder than normal. Aortic valve stenosis is a heart condition that affects 7 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 65.

Symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Light-headedness, dizziness and fainting
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Palpitations

For those diagnosed with symptomatic aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a revolutionary, less invasive procedure than traditional open heart surgery that often leads to faster recovery.

Common characteristics of TAVR patients are:

  • History of stroke/CVA
  • History of fainting
  • Prior chest radiation
  • Old age
  • Frailty
  • Fatigue, slow gait
  • History of COPD
  • History of coronary artery disease
  • History of renal insufficiency
  • Diabetes and hypertension
  • History of AFib

To learn more about our TAVR program at Saddleback Medical Center, visit our page on TAVR.