High blood pressure, cholesterol major risk factors for aortic stenosis

Pune/New Delhi: Patients with systolic blood pressure of 140 and higher are deemed to have high blood pressure. Both men and women in Pune have a high risk score for cardiovascular diseases in Maharashtra state (MS) at 20.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The elderly are more prone to heart ailments, and aortic stenosis is a common heart valve disease seen among them. Approximately 5-7% of the population in India above 65 years suffer from degenerative Aortic Valve Stenosis and it is observed that high blood pressure and cholesterol play a major role in causing aortic stenosis said Dr Naresh Purohit, Executive Member of the Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Senior Epidemiologist Dr Purohit while presenting his scientific report at a CME Programme on Cardiac Health organised by the Pune based Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC ) explained that aortic stenosis is a progressive heart valve disease that predominantly occurs among the elderly, typically above 60 years and above. This condition causes the aortic valve, the opening between the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) and the main artery (aorta), to narrow. Due to the narrowing, there is a reduction or blockage of blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
“The condition in MS is critical with around 15 lakh people in the state found to have high blood pressure (hypertension). Also, the prevalence of hypertension is in the second worst category at 8.18-11 percent when the national average is at 8 percent. “he said

Addressing the implications of hypertension and cholesterol over aortic stenosis,
Dr Purohit added, “Aortic stenosis is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a calcium buildup on the aortic valve over time. These calcium deposits often increase with age making the valve tissue stiff, narrow, and unyielding. Moreover, persistent high blood pressure causes the heart muscle to thicken and arteries to harden. In the same way, elevated cholesterol levels also cause plaque formation, or the deposit of fatty substances in the artery walls leading to conditions such as aortic stenosis”
He further explains – treatment modalities for aortic stenosis can vary depending on the severity and individual patient considerations.Minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offer hope for those unsuitable for traditional open-heart surgery. While treatment modalities can significantly improve the quality of life, it is important to remember that prevention also remains the best defence.

He emphasised that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing or delaying the progression of aortic stenosis.

“Additionally, early detection through regular check-ups, followed by timely intervention and adherence to treatment for pre-existing conditions like hypertension and cholesterol, is crucial for safeguarding one’s heart health.”he added.

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*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.). Dr. Purohit is  an advisor, Indian Hospital Administration.

He’s also an Executive Member of the Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.