Your Aortic Stenosis Care Team
Quick Facts
- If you have aortic stenosis, you may have a healthcare team to help you.
- Your care team depends on your condition and the treatment you need.
- Talk with your care team about the risks and benefits of treatment for aortic stenosis.
Aortic stenosis care often involves a team of healthcare professionals. Aortic stenosis happens when the aortic valve becomes narrow, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, you may need regular monitoring, treatment or a valve replacement. Here are some of the healthcare professionals who will treat or help you manage the condition:
Primary care physician (PCP)
A PCP helps you manage your overall health. Your PCP may be the first to notice signs of a heart problem. If you have symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pressure or a fast heartbeat, your PCP may order tests or refer you to a cardiologist.
General cardiologist
A general cardiologist diagnoses, treats and monitors heart conditions, including aortic stenosis. They may perform exams, order tests and review results to track your heart health. Your cardiologist may refer you to other specialists when needed, including those who perform heart valve procedures.
Cardiac sonographer
A cardiac sonographer performs an echocardiogram, also called an echo. This test uses sound waves to create images of your heart and show how well your heart valves are working. Your cardiologist will decide how often you need an echo to monitor your aortic stenosis.
Aortic Stenosis Discussion Guide: Get the most out of your appointment (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
When you need an aortic valve replacement
If your aortic valve stenosis symptoms become too severe or the aortic valve becomes very narrow, you may need a procedure to repair or replace the valve.
An interventional cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon may perform transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR), also called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). During this procedure, a catheter is guided through an artery to your heart. A new valve is then placed inside your existing valve and expanded.
A cardiothoracic surgeon may also perform surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This open-heart surgery removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a new one.
Other healthcare professionals may help care for you before, during and after your procedure. These may include cardiovascular nurses, cardiovascular anesthesiologists and intensivists. Intensivists are doctors who specialize in caring for people in intensive care.
*Age is only one factor when choosing a treatment. Talk with your care team about the risks and benefits of each option. Consider your values and preferences when making a decision.
View Aortic Stenosis: Considerations for Replacing Your Aortic Valve (PDF)
Other members of your aortic stenosis care team
Because aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, a heart failure specialist may be part of your care team. They can help you manage your condition and monitor changes in your heart health.
Advanced practice healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician associates, work in many healthcare settings. They can provide many of the same services as doctors, including reviewing your medical history, performing exams and ordering lab work and other tests.
A valve clinic coordinator is often your first contact at a hospital that performs valve replacement procedures. This person helps you navigate treatment, coordinate care and address questions from referral through follow-up care.
Many medical centers use heart teams, also called structural heart teams or multidisciplinary teams. These teams include healthcare professionals from different specialties who work together to review your condition and help determine the best treatment options, especially in complex cases.
