Guide To The Risk Factors, Causes, And Complications Of Aortic Stenosis

High Cholesterol And Blood Pressure

Conditions that take a toll on an individual's blood vessels and heart, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, can increase their risk of developing aortic valve stenosis. The mechanism behind the increased risk of this condition for these individuals involves the mechanical stress these conditions place on the valve and the inflammation in the body that can affect the aortic valve. The aortic valve in a healthy individual is built to manage a certain degree of ongoing mechanical stress due to the high pressure of the blood that flows through it. Chronic high blood pressure patients have an even greater level of pressure in the blood being pushed directly out of the heart past the valve due to their compromised circulation from blood vessel damage.

The aortic valve sustains tissue damage over time from being overburdened. The body can repair this damage eventually. However, it is repaired with scar tissue that is thicker and denser than the original tissue. This mechanism makes the valve leaflets become too stiff and inflexible. High cholesterol is directly correlated with hypertension, as it can cause or complicate it. Atherosclerosis from high cholesterol causes the same excessive mechanical stress on the valve, which yields the same inability of the valve to open fully.

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Diabetes

Diabetes, as most individuals are aware, is a condition that affects blood glucose. Depending on the type that they have, patients will either be unable to produce insulin or cannot use it effectively. Both scenarios mean that diabetes patients can have high blood sugar. This is what leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, slow-healing sores, and excessive hunger. Unfortunately, diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of aortic stenosis. According to research, one of the reasons for this is the increase in inflammation throughout the patient's body. Research also indicates that diabetes can cause more calcium to form in the body, particularly within the arteries. As mentioned, calcium buildup in the arteries is a common trigger for aortic stenosis.

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