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How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?

To diagnose aortic stenosis, your doctor might listen to the sound of your heart with a stethoscope (auscultation) to detect a "heart murmur", which is a common sign of aortic stenosis.1

A cardiologist can confirm aortic stenosis by doing an echocardiogram and other tests.1



I am nervous about the tests for aortic stenosis

The diagnostic tests for aortic stenosis are non-invasive.

Types of diagnostic tests2

Ausculation
Ausculation
Ausculation

Auscultation

The doctor will listen to the sounds of your heart using a stethoscope.

Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram

Sound waves are used to detect how blood flows through the heart valves. It can detect the severity of your aortic stenosis.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Sensors are attached to your chest to detect heart rhytm.

Chest x-ray
Chest x-ray
Chest x-ray

Chest x-ray

Heart enlargement due to aortic stenosis can be detected.

Exercise or stress tests
Exercise or stress tests
Exercise or stress tests

Exercise or stress tests

Your heart is monitored while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike, to determine if symptoms occur during physical activity.

Cardia computerised tomography (CT) scan
Cardia computerised tomography (CT) scan
Cardia computerised tomography (CT) scan

Computerised tomography (CT) scan

Several X-ray images are combined to provide a detailed view of your heart.

Ask your doctor if you have any question about these tests.

Do not delay getting your heart checked. Visit your doctor today.

Old Lady
Old Lady
Old Lady

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References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Valvular Heart Disease. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heart... Accessed 17 October 2023.
  2. Rana, M. (2022) ‘Aortic Valve Stenosis: Diagnostic Approaches and Recommendations of the 2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the Management of Valvular Heart Disease https://doi.org/10.26502/fccm.92920267.

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Other therapies or treatment options may be available and you should discuss any educational information you access online with your healthcare professional. Appropriate treatment for individuals is a matter for healthcare professionals to decide in consultation with each individual.