Does the Person You Care For Have Severe Aortic Stenosis?
If they're high-risk or too sick for open heart surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive procedure that could be an option.
Only a qualified TAVR Heart Team can determine if TAVR is an appropriate option for the person you care for.
FIND A TAVR CENTER BELOW:
IMPORTANT:
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Help the Person You Care For Get the Treatment That Is Right for Them
There are a few treatment options for aortic stenosis. When the stenosis is severe, the doctor will probably suggest replacing the aortic valve. Most people think that means open heart surgery. But it's important to know that open heart surgery is not the only way to replace the aortic valve.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, is a less invasive procedure for people who are high-risk or too sick for open heart surgery. With the TAVR procedure, there are multiple approaches. The most common is where an incision is made either in the leg, in the chest between the ribs, or in the upper chest. The new valve is placed in the heart via a flexible tube, known as a catheter. Ultimately, only the Heart Team can decide if TAVR is the best treatment option.
TAVR involves risks, the most serious of which include death, stroke, bleeding, and vascular complications.
Please see Important Safety Information below for a more complete description of risks and other important information.
Your Role
As a caregiver, you serve many important roles in the life of the person you care for. First and foremost, you are their trusted partner and health care advocate. Making treatment decisions isn't easy. As an advocate, you can help sort through all the different questions, concerns, and options along the treatment journey.
Here Are Ways You Can Help
Many people think symptoms of aortic stenosis are just normal signs of aging. If you're worried about their symptoms (chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, feeling dizzy and/or fainting, or difficulty when exercising) , encourage them to see a doctor to confirm if there is an underlying serious medical issue/condition.
When it's time for the next step, you can be there to look at all the options and how the after care will affect you.
Keep an eye on the symptoms of aortic stenosis (chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, difficulty with exercise). Are they worsening? Is it time to check with a doctor about what is the next step in the treatment plan?
It can help to have someone at each appointment to get information first-hand and make sure all questions are answered. Keep a folder with appointment notes, medication lists, doctors' contact information, and calendar, and bring it with you to all appointments. Make a list of questions before the appointment and take notes during the discussion. If you are not nearby, ask if you can participate in appointments by phone.
Part of being an advocate might mean getting a second opinion. The goal should always be for the patient to feel empowered about the treatment plan. If you're not sure about one doctor's recommendation, consult a Heart Team.
Different treatment paths may need to be considered. The treatment paths will depend on how severe the disease is as well as other factors. Treatment options may include medications to relieve symptoms. You can help your loved one by asking questions and discussing these options both during the doctor's appointment and at home.
Make the Most of the Next Doctor Visit
Use our Doctor Discussion Guide to help organize and remember questions you or the person you care for may have.
IMPORTANT:
WebMD and Edwards Lifesciences Corporation respect your privacy choices. By completing the form below you will transfer your information to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its designated parties in order to fulfil your request. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its designated parties will use your information as outlined in the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Privacy Policy. Entry of the below information indicates your agreement with the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Terms and Conditions.
Only a qualified TAVR Heart Team can determine if TAVR is an appropriate option for the person you care for.
FIND A TAVR CENTER BELOW:
IMPORTANT:
WebMD and Edwards Lifesciences Corporation respect your privacy choices. By completing the form below you will transfer your information to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its designated parties in order to fulfil your request. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and its designated parties will use your information as outlined in the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Privacy Policy. Entry of the below information indicates your agreement with the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Terms and Conditions.