10 Modern Treatment Paths for Aortic Stenosis: Understanding Your Choices

5. Get Regular Exercise

Doctors often also suggest that patients with mild aortic stenosis get regular exercise as a part of their treatment. Regular physical activity is beneficial for the heart, even for individuals affected by mild aortic stenosis. A doctor can help a patient understand what types of activities they should avoid and the amount of time their heart rate can be raised safely. Patients should track their heart rate during their exercise regimen or routine. Aerobic-based activities like walking, team sports, running, swimming, resistance-based activities, and programs with weights can all help keep an individual's muscle and cardiovascular tissues in good health. Regular exercise also minimizes the chance of developing cardiovascular complications. Examples of such complications are high blood pressure and unhealthy body weight. The frequency recommended for aerobic-based exercise in individuals affected by mild aortic stenosis is three to five times per week with a duration of twenty to sixty minutes. Resistance-based exercise is recommended at a frequency of one to three times per week for patients with mild aortic stenosis.

6. Medication

Medications are used to treat aortic stenosis to lower the risk of complications and to help control symptoms. Unfortunately, no medications can cure aortic stenosis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may be prescribed to help dilate the patient's blood vessels. This can reduce complications linked to high blood pressure and poor circulation. Individuals may experience symptoms associated with the increased burden this condition places on their heart, such as high blood pressure and high heart rate. These patients may also need medication. These medications are called beta-blockers and can help decelerate the heart rate and are also useful for preventing the thickening of the walls of the heart from overexertion. Medications may address certain heart rhythm abnormalities, if applicable. Medications called diuretics can reduce blood volume, which helps alleviate some of the stress put on a patient's heart. Some individuals with aortic stenosis may also need statins to lower levels of bad cholesterol. This may prevent the development of atherosclerosis.