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Cardiolucent

Condition

Aortic Stenosis

Progressive narrowing of the aortic valve, monitored with serial echocardiography.

Aortic stenosis is one form of valvular heart disease in which the aortic valve becomes stiffened and narrowed, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. It is most commonly caused by age-related calcification, though bicuspid aortic valves and rheumatic disease are important contributors at younger ages. As the valve narrows, the heart must work harder to push blood through, and over time this can lead to chest pain, fainting, or heart failure. Once severe and symptomatic, aortic stenosis is one of the few cardiovascular conditions where the timing of intervention dramatically changes prognosis. Dr. Kedan tracks aortic stenosis carefully with serial imaging and coordinates valve replacement with structural heart specialists at Cedars-Sinai when the time is right.

What Cardiolucent Evaluates

  • Transthoracic echocardiography with strain imaging to grade severity and quantify valve area
  • POCUS at every visit for interval reassessment without extra scheduling
  • Symptom screening for exertional chest pain, lightheadedness, syncope, and shortness of breath
  • Left ventricular function and hypertrophy assessment
  • Concurrent coronary artery disease evaluation when intervention is being planned
  • Coordination with structural heart and cardiac surgery teams at Cedars-Sinai
  • Pre-procedural optimization for TAVR or surgical valve replacement

Common Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath with exertion that progressively worsens
  • Chest pressure or angina with activity
  • Lightheadedness or fainting (syncope), particularly during exertion
  • Reduced exercise tolerance and fatigue
  • Heart murmur often detected during routine exam before symptoms appear
  • Symptoms of heart failure in advanced disease

Risk Factors

  • Older age, especially over 65
  • Bicuspid aortic valve (a common congenital variant)
  • History of rheumatic fever
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • High cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk factors
  • Prior chest radiation
  • Male sex

How Cardiolucent Approaches Treatment

Mild and moderate aortic stenosis are managed with surveillance imaging and aggressive control of cardiovascular risk factors, with the frequency of follow-up tailored to severity. Once stenosis becomes severe and symptoms develop — or specific echo markers indicate that the heart muscle is suffering — valve replacement is indicated. Dr. Kedan coordinates directly with the Cedars-Sinai structural heart team to plan transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical replacement, and remains your primary cardiologist before, during, and long after the procedure.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, the gate between the heart's main pumping chamber and the rest of the body. As the valve stiffens, the heart must generate higher pressure to push blood through, which over years can damage the heart muscle and produce symptoms.
How is aortic stenosis different from other valve diseases?
Aortic stenosis is one form of valvular heart disease. It specifically involves obstruction at the aortic valve rather than leakage, and unlike many other valve problems it has a relatively predictable, progressive course and a clear set of triggers for intervention.
What symptoms should I watch for?
The classic triad is chest discomfort with exertion, lightheadedness or fainting with activity, and shortness of breath. Many patients dismiss early symptoms as deconditioning or aging, so Dr. Kedan asks specifically about exercise tolerance and any fainting episodes at every visit.
How is aortic stenosis diagnosed and monitored?
Echocardiography is the cornerstone, used both to make the diagnosis and to track severity over time. POCUS at the office allows Dr. Kedan to perform interval reassessments efficiently, while formal transthoracic echocardiography with strain imaging quantifies valve area, gradients, and the impact on the heart muscle.
When does aortic stenosis need to be treated with a procedure?
Severe aortic stenosis with symptoms — angina, syncope, or heart failure — is a strong indication for valve replacement. Even before symptoms, certain findings on echo such as reduced ejection fraction or markedly elevated pressures across the valve can trigger intervention. Timing is one of the most important decisions in valve care and is made jointly with the structural heart team.
What is TAVR, and how is it different from surgical valve replacement?
TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) is a catheter-based procedure that delivers a new valve through a small incision, usually in the groin. It avoids open-heart surgery and has become the preferred approach for many patients. Surgical replacement remains the right choice for certain anatomies, younger patients, or those with concurrent procedures needed. Dr. Kedan helps you understand which option fits your situation.
Can medications fix aortic stenosis?
No medication can reverse valve narrowing. Medical therapy is used to manage symptoms, control blood pressure, and treat associated conditions, but valve replacement is the only definitive treatment for severe disease.
What is the prognosis once aortic stenosis becomes symptomatic?
Untreated severe symptomatic aortic stenosis carries a poor prognosis, while timely valve replacement restores life expectancy close to normal in most patients. This is why monitoring and timely referral are central to the care plan.
What does concierge care add for someone with aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is a marathon, not a sprint. Dr. Kedan personally tracks your echocardiograms over years, calibrates the timing of intervention to your specific symptoms and imaging, and serves as your direct point of contact for questions between visits. Same-day POCUS and extended appointments mean changes in your condition are caught early.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (310) 304-5555 or use the contact form to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kedan at the Beverly Hills office. Cardiolucent does not bill Medicare or insurance and provides a detailed superbill for any out-of-network reimbursement.

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The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.