Aortic stenosis: Symptoms of this heart disease is mistaken for normal ageing signs

Heart disease is a growing concern in India, commonly associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart attacks.

- ASHISH SRIVASTAVA @New Delhi

Heart disease is a growing concern in India, commonly associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart attacks. Yet, one condition that often slips under the radar is aortic stenosis, a serious heart disease affecting nine million people globally. Prevalent among the elderly, its symptoms—breathlessness, fatigue, and palpitations—are often mistaken for normal signs of ageing, which delays diagnosis and treatment. Experts stress the importance of early detection to prevent life-threatening complications.

"Aortic stenosis is a common valvular heart disease, especially in the elderly. It affects approximately 3% of individuals over 75 years, and its prevalence increases with age," said Dr Tanmay Kulkarni, consultant cardiologist at Jupiter Hospital, Pune. "In younger patients, congenital defects like a bicuspid aortic valve are the primary cause, but other risk factors such as infections, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension also play a role," he added.