"I Just Felt Tired All The Time": The Silent Exhaustion Of Aortic Stenosis

Do you feel tired all the time? Do you feel fatigued after doing some regular physical activity? If this sounds familiar, you must schedule an appointment with a cardiologist right away. We don’t mean to scare you, but these are some of the most ignored indications of an underlying heart condition.

Feeling mildly fatigued and short of breath during normal activities is something many people consider either a normal part of getting older or a result of a busy lifestyle. But is this really normal or a warning sign of an underlying condition that might be fatal for you?

When dealing with persistent fatigue, dizziness, or even chest discomfort, these are signs that may indicate an underlying cardiac problem - aortic stenosis.

What Is Aortic Stenosis?

Dr Dixit Garg, Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram explains, “Aortic Stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the heart's aortic valve that limits blood flow to the body. Because the symptoms develop gradually, they are often overlooked until the condition becomes severe. Recognizing these early signs is crucial, as timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and long-term outcomes.”

Also Read: Aortic Aneurysm: Different Types And Their Treatments

Recognizing the fatigue: An overlooked yet commonly associated symptom

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of aortic stenosis. Patients often describe feeling exhausted even after a full night’s rest, sometimes waking up tired despite sleeping for nine hours.

“This happens because the narrowed aortic valve makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues and organs, even though the overall blood volume remains the same,” Dr Dixit Garg elaborates.

A study published in the Indian Heart Journal examined the outcomes of surgical valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The study found that fatigue and other symptoms significantly impacted patients’ quality of life, and surgical intervention led to notable improvements in physical functioning and overall well-being.

Other signs and symptoms of Aortic Stenosis can be:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations
• Swelling of legs or feet - due to fluid (edema)
• Decreased exercise tolerance

Also Read: Why Does Your Chest Hurt When You Breathe?

Can Aortic Stenosis Be Managed?

The management of aortic stenosis depends on the severity of the condition.

“In the mild category, the strategy consists of lifestyle modifications, including frequent monitoring, light to moderate exercise, and a heart-healthy diet to help with symptoms and protect heart health,” says Dr Dixit Garg.

• Medications can also be prescribed to treat other conditions associated with aortic stenosis (e.g., high blood pressure, heart failure, etc.), but medications do not change the narrowing of the valve.
• Across the moderate and severe categories of aortic stenosis, surgery is usually required.
• Procedures such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon can access the valve through a catheter, making it much safer for high-risk patients
• Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty(BAV) allows for temporary widening of the valve.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is an open-heart surgery where a surgeon replaces the diseased valve with either a mechanical or biological valve.

Final Word

Aortic stenosis is a serious condition that can affect quality of life. Recognizing symptoms such as persistent tiredness can lead to earlier diagnosis and timely treatment. Thanks to medical and surgical advancements, many people with aortic stenosis are now able to live active and fulfilling lives. If someone is experiencing symptoms of aortic stenosis, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.