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What is Aortic Valve Disease?

Aortic Valve Disease occurs when the aortic valve does not open or close normally. In aortic stenosis, the valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. In aortic regurgitation, the valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow backwards into the left ventricle. The condition may develop because of age-related calcification, a bicuspid aortic valve, rheumatic heart disease, infection, or other structural abnormalities.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely evaluation helps determine the type and severity of aortic valve disease, assess heart function, control symptoms, and identify when monitoring, medicines, valve repair, or valve replacement may be appropriate. Treating significant disease can help reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, fainting, and other cardiovascular problems.

What are the Common Symptoms of Aortic Valve Disease?

  • Shortness of Breath: Breathlessness may develop during physical activity and can become more noticeable as valve disease progresses.
  • Chest Discomfort: Aortic stenosis may cause chest pressure, tightness, or discomfort, particularly during exertion.
  • Fatigue: Reduced forward blood flow or increased cardiac workload may cause tiredness and reduced stamina.
  • Dizziness or Fainting: Reduced blood flow during activity can cause lightheadedness or fainting, particularly in significant aortic stenosis.
  • Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Routine physical activities may become increasingly difficult because of breathlessness or fatigue.
  • Palpitations: Some people may experience a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, particularly when associated rhythm abnormalities develop.

Causes and Risk Factors of Aortic Valve Disease

Causes

  • Age-Related Calcification: Calcium deposits and progressive thickening can stiffen and narrow the aortic valve.
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve: A congenital valve abnormality in which the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three can lead to stenosis or regurgitation.
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease: Rheumatic fever can cause long-term damage and thickening of the aortic valve.
  • Infective Endocarditis: Infection of the valve can damage its leaflets and cause regurgitation.
  • Congenital Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities present from birth can affect aortic valve function.
  • Aortic Root Disease: Enlargement or structural abnormalities of the aorta can prevent the valve from closing properly and cause regurgitation.
  • Connective Tissue Disorders: Certain inherited connective tissue conditions can affect the aortic valve or aortic root.
  • Previous Cardiac Procedures or Radiation: Some treatments can contribute to later structural valve changes.

Risk Factors

  • Older age
  • Bicuspid aortic valve
  • Previous rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Previous infective endocarditis
  • Family history of certain valve or aortic conditions
  • Certain congenital or connective tissue disorders

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Aortic Valve Disease in Singapore

  • Modern aortic valve care increasingly uses advanced echocardiography, 3D imaging, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, minimally invasive surgery, and transcatheter valve procedures to assess valve anatomy and guide treatment. Multidisciplinary Heart Teams use clinical assessment, imaging findings, symptoms, age, surgical risk, anatomy, and associated conditions to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. For selected patients with severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve implantation/replacement (TAVI/TAVR) provides a less invasive alternative to open surgical valve replacement.

Treatment options for Aortic Valve Disease

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): The traditional open-heart standard using either a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve, preferred for younger patients, those with low surgical risk, or those requiring multi-valve surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI) : A brilliant, minimally invasive option delivered via a catheter (usually transfemoral). It is now a first-line or highly utilised recommendation across all surgical risk tiers for patients with severe aortic stenosis, depending on age and vascular anatomy.

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV): This is properly designated as a temporary, non-definitive bridge therapy. It temporarily widens the valve in hemodynamically unstable adults or as a bridge to definitive SAVR/TAVR.

Bentall procedure : A highly specific, complex cardiac surgery that treats a distinct subset of patients with Aortic Valve Disease. In clinical database structures or decision support tools, it should not be listed as a general synonym or standard treatment option for isolated valve disease.

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Medical History: Assessment includes symptoms, previous rheumatic fever, congenital valve abnormalities, heart disease, infections, previous procedures, and relevant family history.
    • Physical Examination: A doctor may listen for an abnormal heart murmur and assess blood pressure, heart rhythm, breathing, and signs of fluid retention.
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates heart rhythm and electrical activity and may show changes associated with cardiac strain.
    • Exercise or Stress Testing: May help assess functional capacity and symptoms in selected patients who can safely exercise.
    • Blood Tests: Selected tests may assess associated conditions, kidney function, blood counts, or other factors relevant to treatment.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The primary imaging test used to assess aortic valve structure, blood flow, valve narrowing or leakage, and heart function.
    • Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): Provides detailed images of the valve and surrounding structures and may assist treatment planning.
    • 3D Echocardiography: Provides detailed three-dimensional assessment of valve anatomy in selected patients.
    • Cardiac CT: Can provide detailed information about valve calcification, aortic anatomy, and suitability for transcatheter valve procedures.
    • Cardiac MRI: May assess ventricular function, aortic anatomy, and the effects of significant aortic regurgitation in selected patients.
    • Chest X-ray: May show heart enlargement or changes associated with advanced cardiovascular disease.
    • Cardiac Catheterisation: May be performed in selected patients for pressure measurements, coronary assessment, or catheter-based treatment.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Aortic Valve Disease patients in Singapore. These services include:

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Selected patients may benefit from structured rehabilitation after valve surgery or transcatheter treatment.
  • Gradual Physical Activity: Increase activity according to symptoms, heart function, treatment history, and guidance from the cardiac team.
  • Exercise Conditioning: Individualised exercise can help improve strength, endurance, and functional capacity when medically appropriate.
  • Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular cardiology reviews and echocardiography help monitor prosthetic valve function, heart rhythm, ventricular function, and the aorta when relevant.
  • Medicines are selected according to the type and severity of aortic valve disease and associated conditions. Diuretics may help manage fluid retention in patients with heart failure, while blood-pressure medicines may be used when appropriate, particularly in aortic regurgitation. Medicines may also be prescribed to manage abnormal heart rhythms, coronary artery disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

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Hospitals for Aortic Valve Disease in Singapore

Parkway East Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Parkway East Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Total capacity for 143 beds
  • Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
  • All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
  • Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
  • 1 Nursery with 30 cots
  • 1 Parentcraft room
  • 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
  • 24-hour Pharmacy
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Mount Elizabeth Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 345 bedded Hospital
  • Maternity wards
  • The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
  • 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intensive Care Unit
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • Accident & Emergency Department
  • Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
  • All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
  • Parking lot
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Farrer Park Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Farrer Park Hospital

Singapore, Singapore

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
  • The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
  • There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
  • Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
  • 121 bed capacity
  • Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
  • Professionally implemented international patient care systems
  • Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
  • Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
  • 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
  • Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose Singapore for Aortic Valve Disease Treatment?

  • Experienced Cardiac Specialists: Access to cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other cardiovascular specialists.
  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging: Major centres may provide TTE, TEE, 3D echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI.
  • Aortic Valve Surgery: Specialised cardiac centres can perform surgical aortic valve repair and replacement. Eligible patients may have access to procedures such as TAVI/TAVR and other catheter-based interventions.
  • Advanced Cardiac Care: Hospitals may provide specialised cardiac intensive care and postoperative monitoring.
  • Multidisciplinary Heart Teams: Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, and rehabilitation professionals can coordinate complex valve cases.
  • Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment can be selected according to valve anatomy, severity, symptoms, heart function, age, surgical risk, and associated conditions.
  • International Patient Support: Many major Singapore hospitals provide assistance with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery depends on the disease severity and the treatment performed. Recovery may be shorter after some transcatheter procedures, while surgical valve replacement generally requires several weeks for initial recovery and longer for complete rehabilitation. Regular follow-up remains important after treatment.

People with mild or stable aortic valve disease may be able to walk and remain physically active. However, significant or symptomatic disease may require activity restrictions until it has been evaluated. The treating cardiologist should guide exercise.

Many advanced cardiac centres in Singapore provide echocardiography, 3D imaging, cardiac CT and MRI, cardiac catheterisation, surgical valve replacement, minimally invasive procedures, and transcatheter aortic valve treatment for eligible patients.

Many major Singapore hospitals have international patient departments that help overseas patients with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, interpretation (where available), and follow-up arrangements.

Consider a centre with experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, advanced valve imaging, cardiac catheterisation facilities, and access to both surgical and transcatheter treatment when appropriate. For complex cases, a multidisciplinary Heart Team and experience with the specific valve condition are important considerations.

The success rate of aortic valve disease treatments. Outcomes depend on whether the patient has aortic stenosis or regurgitation, disease severity, valve anatomy, heart function, age, associated conditions, and the treatment performed. The treating cardiac team can discuss expected outcomes based on the individual case.

Many specialised cardiac centres in Singapore have cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons experienced in evaluating and treating aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, bicuspid aortic valve disease, and other complex valve conditions.

Risks vary according to the treatment. Catheter-based procedures may involve bleeding, vascular complications, infection, arrhythmias, stroke, or valve-related complications. Surgical valve repair or replacement may involve bleeding, infection, blood clots, stroke, rhythm abnormalities, or prosthetic valve complications. Individual risks depend on the patient's health and the procedure performed.

Yes. Breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, and reduced exercise tolerance can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Appropriate monitoring and treatment can help manage symptoms and support functional capacity.

Significant untreated aortic valve disease can place increasing strain on the heart. Severe aortic stenosis may lead to fainting, chest pain, heart failure or reduced heart function. Significant aortic regurgitation can cause enlargement of the left ventricle and eventually heart failure. The risks depend on the type and severity of the disease, so regular assessment and timely treatment are important.

Not all forms of aortic valve disease can be prevented. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and other cardiovascular risk factors can support overall heart health. Appropriate treatment of streptococcal infections and prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever can reduce the risk of rheumatic valve disease. Congenital conditions such as a bicuspid aortic valve generally cannot be prevented.

Risk varies by type of aortic valve disease. Calcific aortic stenosis becomes more common with increasing age, while bicuspid aortic valve disease is present from birth. Rheumatic aortic valve disease is more common in populations where rheumatic fever remains prevalent. People with certain congenital, connective tissue, or cardiovascular conditions may also have an increased risk.

Author

Dr. Abdullah Rahil
Dr. Abdullah Rahil

MPT (Neuro)

7 Years of Experience

Dr. Abdullah Rahil, M.P.T. (Neurology), is a dedicated physiotherapy professional specializing in orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With strong clinical expertise, he focuses on improving patient mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence through evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. He is skilled in advanced therapeutic approaches that support effective rehabilitation and recovery for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, focusing on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence. Dr. Rahil has extensive experience managing diverse rehabilitation cases. His patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans, continuous assessment, and comprehensive rehabilitation to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Dr. Nityanand Tripathi

Interventional Cardiologist

29 Years of Experience

With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026