Cardiovascular
Medicines for Aortic stenosis
Narrowing of the heart's main outflow valve, making the heart work harder — often silent for years, but once it causes symptoms it is usually treated by replacing the valve.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, the valve through which the heart pumps blood out to the body. As the valve stiffens and narrows — most commonly with age-related calcium build-up — the heart has to work harder to push blood through.
- How it is treated: Mild or symptom-free aortic stenosis is monitored with regular echocardiograms, and cardiovascular risk factors are managed.
- Self-care: Staying active within advised limits, not smoking, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol support heart health.
- When to seek help: See a doctor about breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness or blackouts, especially on exertion.
What it is
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, the valve through which the heart pumps blood out to the body. As the valve stiffens and narrows — most commonly with age-related calcium build-up — the heart has to work harder to push blood through. For many years there may be no symptoms, but as it becomes severe it can cause breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness or blackouts, especially on exertion. It is often first suspected from a heart murmur heard during examination and confirmed with an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), which measures the severity.
How it is treated
Mild or symptom-free aortic stenosis is monitored with regular echocardiograms, and cardiovascular risk factors are managed. The key treatment for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis is replacing the valve, either by open-heart surgery or by a less invasive catheter procedure (TAVI) threaded up to the heart — the choice depends on age, fitness and individual factors. Medicines do not cure the narrowing but may be used cautiously to manage symptoms or other heart conditions. Because symptomatic severe aortic stenosis carries real risks, timely specialist assessment is important.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Aortic stenosis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Staying active within advised limits, not smoking, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol support heart health. People with severe aortic stenosis are given specific advice about exertion.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness or blackouts, especially on exertion. Call 999 for severe chest pain, fainting or sudden severe breathlessness.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Aortic stenosis: frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis?
It can be silent for years, then cause breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness or blackouts, especially on exertion. These symptoms warrant prompt assessment.
How is severe aortic stenosis treated?
The main treatment is replacing the valve, either by surgery or a catheter procedure (TAVI). Medicines do not fix the narrowing but may help manage symptoms or other conditions.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG208 — Heart valve disease
- British Heart Foundation — Aortic stenosis
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