Have you been getting more winded on your usual walk or when you’re walking up the stairs? Or maybe you’re getting lightheaded or tired more easily than you used to?
It’s easy to assume that you’re just getting older or a little out of shape. But those changes can also be a sign of aortic stenosis, a narrowing of one of your heart’s main valves.
“One of the tricky things about aortic stenosis is that it can develop slowly,” says Jason Zakko, MD, cardiac and aortic surgeon with Hartford HealthCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute. “Many people adjust their activities without realizing they’re doing it, so a meaningful change in what you can do comfortably deserves attention.”
Here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. You get winded doing everyday things
Walking around the neighborhood or carrying your groceries shouldn’t suddenly leave you struggling to catch your breath.
“It’s easy to chalk this up to age or fitness, but shortness of breath with activity is one of the classic symptoms of aortic stenosis,” says Dr. Zakko.
Pay attention if walking, climbing stairs, gardening or other routine activities suddenly feel harder than they used to.
“You don’t have to be sure something is wrong to call,” he adds. “If your breathing feels different during activity, we’d rather hear about it early.”
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2. You feel chest pain or pressure
When people think of chest pain, they often picture a sudden, sharp pain, but it doesn’t always happen that way.
“It may feel like pressure, tightness or an ache, especially when you’re active,” says Dr. Zakko. “There are several possible causes, including heart conditions that should be checked out.”
It can be easy to blame discomfort on indigestion or getting older, but don’t write it off.
“Chest symptoms can have a lot of different causes, and sorting them out is our job,” he says. “If it’s new or shows up when you’re active, give your doctor a call.”
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3. You feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint
A brief dizzy spell when you stand up too quickly is nothing to be alarmed about. But feeling like you’re going to pass out in the middle of a walk is worth noting.
“A narrowed valve can make it harder for the heart to pump more blood when your body needs it,” says Dr. Zakko. “That’s why lightheadedness can show up with activity.”
Fainting or nearly fainting during activity can be a sign of severe aortic stenosis.
“If you’ve felt like you might pass out while you were active, please take it seriously,” he adds. “Tell your doctor so we can figure out what’s going on.”
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4. Your energy or stamina has dropped
Think back to what you could comfortably do six months or a year ago. Are you still doing those things, or have you started avoiding them?
“Pay attention to changes from your own normal,” says Dr. Zakko. “If you’re stopping halfway up stairs you used to climb without a problem, or skipping activities because they’ve suddenly gotten harder, that matters.”
And it’s not just about feeling more tired or slowing down as you get older.
“Tiredness has a lot of possible causes, and aortic stenosis is only one of them,” he says. “But if your stamina has dropped and you can’t say why, it’s worth getting checked.”
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5. You notice swelling or other signs of heart failure
Swollen ankles aren’t always a heart problem, but when it’s new or comes with breathing difficulties, it’s worth sharing with your doctor.
“Over time, the heart has to work harder to push blood through a narrowed valve,” explains Dr. Zakko. “That’s one more reason not to ignore early symptoms.”
These changes can be signs that aortic stenosis is putting more strain on your heart.
“Swelling in your legs or ankles, especially along with worsening breathlessness, is a good reason to check in with your doctor,” he adds. “Please don’t wait for it to get worse.”
> Related: 6 Warning Signs of Heart Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore
What should you do if you notice these signs?
Start by telling your doctor what’s changed.
And if you already have aortic stenosis, keep up with your follow-up echocardiograms and let your care team know if anything feels different.
“The important thing is not to wait until symptoms become disabling,” says Dr. Zakko. “If you notice a change in your breathing, stamina, chest symptoms or lightheadedness, speak up. There are treatment options, and we can help you find the right one for you.”
