Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve in the heart is narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body and making the heart work harder. Over time, this increased workload can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. In severe cases, without aortic stenosis treatment, it can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. 

One of the most important factors in the treatment for aortic stenosis is nutrition. The goal is to avoid the overtaxing of the heart and help improve blood flow, blood viscosity, and vascular health to avoid progression to further problems. We’re covering why nutrition matters for aortic valve stenosis treatment and how to make impactful diet changes.

Why Nutrition Matters for Aortic Stenosis

Nutrition directly impacts your heart health and overall wellness. Eating a nutrient adequate heart-healthy diet that is balanced and contains the appropriate amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help reduce risk factors that contribute to aortic stenosis. 

For example, obesity, hypertension, impaired kidney function, and diabetes have been shown to increase the risk of aortic valve stenosis in retrospective studies. Fortunately, improving the nutritional quality of your diet can help address these factors as well as help reduce the workload on your heart from existing aortic stenosis. 

Specifically, including foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve overall heart function. Focusing on foods that increase blood flow to the body can improve blood pressure and reduce the burden on the heart. Increasing fiber intake can help enhance satiety, prevent overeating, support gut health, and help achieve healthy weight management goals, alleviating some of the strain on your heart so it can pump blood more effectively. An overall more balanced diet can also support better energy levels and allow for a more active lifestyle. 

Optimal science based nutrition helps avoid the build-up of plaque in the arteries that can cause arterial stiffness. It also helps downregulate Lipoprotein A expression, improves blood pressure and improves insulin resistance, as these factors can make blood vessels more stiff. 

Finally, it’s important to know your numbers, including blood pressure and blood fat profile, when you’re facing heart health issues like aortic stenosis or are at a higher risk of developing them. Knowledge is power and can be life-saving, as we often don’t feel the effects of these concerns until they’re in advanced stages and require more drastic interventions.  

Nutrition Tips for Aortic Stenosis Treatment

1. Boost Heart-Healthy Fats

Heart-healthy fats include unsaturated omega-3s (ALA, EPA, and DHA), which are important components to support cardiovascular wellness. Diets that emphasize these types of fats over artery-clogging saturated fats can help improve your lipid profile and reduce inflammation. They can help lower high levels of LDL cholesterol, apoB, and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. 

Some of the best sources of heart-healthy fats include: 

• Fatty fish, like salmon, halibut, and mackerel
• Ground flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts

2. Get Plenty of Micronutrients

Increase the diversity of your diet by eating more colors and varieties of minimally processed foods. This makes it much easier to ensure you’re getting an array of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, including the micronutrients that support cardiovascular health. 

One 2018 study explored the relationship between blood levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium with the prevalence, incidence, and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in Japanese men aged 40–79 years without cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease. 

Researchers found that higher blood levels of magnesium were associated with a lower risk of AVC prevalence and incidence, while higher blood levels of phosphorus were linked to a higher risk. No significant association was found between these micronutrients and AVC progression. The results suggest that magnesium and phosphorus could be potential markers for predicting or preventing calcific aortic valve disease.

In a 2023 study, researchers investigated the link between dietary vitamin K1 intake and the incidence of aortic valve stenosis. In a cohort of over 55,000 Danish participants aged 50 to 64 years, those with the highest intake of vitamin K1 had a 23% lower risk of developing aortic stenosis and a 27% lower risk of experiencing complications such as valve replacement, heart failure, or cardiovascular-related death, compared to those with the lowest intake. The findings suggest that a diet rich in vitamin K1 may reduce the risk of aortic stenosis and its associated complications.

Some great sources of magnesium include: 

• Leafy greens, like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard
• Nuts and seeds, like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds
• Legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils
• Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat
• Fish, like mackerel, salmon, and halibut
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Dark chocolate (aim for 70% or more cocoa)
• Tofu
• Yogurt and other dairy products

Find vitamin K1 in these foods: 

• Leafy greens, like spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, and parsley
• Cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage
• Herbs, like basil, thyme, and cilantro
• Soybean oil, canola oil, and olive oil
• Other green veggies, like asparagus, green beans, and lettuce
• Prunes
• Avocado
• Kiwi
• Peas
• Blueberries

Work with your registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease to ensure nutrient adequacy and appropriate volumes of these foods for you, based on your labs, medications, medical history, and current diet.

3. Limit Sodium

Managing your sodium intake is crucial for improving heart health because high sodium levels can promote fluid retention and lead to increased blood pressure, putting additional strain on the heart. Aortic stenosis already makes it challenging for your heart to pump blood effectively. Over time, this added stress can worsen symptoms of aortic stenosis like shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as further exacerbate the condition. 

To reduce your sodium intake for aortic valve stenosis treatment, try these tips: 

• Replace salt with salt-free herb and spice blends or things like garlic and onion powder when cooking
• Avoid ultra-processed foods like frozen convenience meals, potato chips, and other salty packaged snacks like pretzels
• Choose no-salt-added canned goods
• Avoid fast food

4. Choose Whole Grains

Compared to their processed and refined counterparts (like white rice and snacks made with white flour), whole grains are higher in fiber and more slowly digested. This means they don’t trigger such a dramatic spike and fall in your blood sugar. They also keep you fuller for longer between meals, which can help prevent overeating and potentially unwanted weight gain. 

Research also shows that a higher consumption of whole grains over refined grains is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of developing diabetes. The prevalence of aortic stenosis is higher among people with diabetes.

Some researchers think that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in people with diabetes contribute to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcification in aortic valves. Plus, inflammation in the heart valves of people with diabetes is more closely associated with markers of long-term blood sugar regulation than blood sugar levels. 

Try to replace your intake of refined grains with whole grains as part of your treatment for aortic stenosis: 

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Barley
• Millet
• Amaranth
• 100% whole wheat bread and pasta

5. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration supports your heart’s ability to function properly. It also helps maintain normal blood volume and blood pressure and helps prevent the thickening of the blood (which increases the risk of blood clots) all of which are especially important when your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently. 

Furthermore, dehydration can lead to reduced blood volume. This makes your heart work harder to circulate blood, increasing the stress on the already compromised valve. In cases of significant dehydration, you may be more likely to experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and chest pain.

If you need to focus more on your hydration habits, try these tips: 

• Fill a reusable water bottle every morning and keep it with you
• If you get tired of plain water, try adding natural flavors like lemon wedges or cucumber slices
• Rotate plain water with seltzer water and green tea for variety
• Try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to help meet your daily hydration needs earlier

Client Success Story

A 44-year-old gentleman came to see me after his second heart attack because he wasn’t sure he was following the appropriate diet for his heart. After his first heart attack, his doctor told him to lose weight with “whatever diet,” and to “take the medications and you will be fine.” After my client’s first heart attack, he followed the Paleo diet and lost 20 lbs, but had another heart attack with two more stents placed.

After this event, his doctor told him he would have to come back in a month for another stent because he had too much inflammation and aortic stenosis and the stent could not be placed at that moment.

After his second heart attack, my client joined my VIP Program where we worked closely together to optimize his heart health. In our initial session, it was apparent that he had inflammation and suboptimal lab values. His waist circumference was 42 inches despite a normal BMI (Goal: less than 38 inches), his LDL was 95mg/dL (despite being on statin medication; his LDL goal is less than 70mg/dL) and his non-HDL was 113mg/dL (a sign of atherogenic cholesterol; the goal is less than 80mg/dL). 

We worked closely together to implement a macronutrient and micronutrient-sufficient diet that has the therapeutic foods and the essential vitamins and minerals he needs through diet to optimize his heart health, address the underlying root causes of heart disease (focusing on inflammation and endothelial dysfunction) and improve his risk profile. 

After working together for 1.5 months, he returned to his doctor who said there was no need to do the stent placement because he no longer needed it! In 4 months, he decreased his waist circumference by 7 inches, lowered his LDL to 41mg/dL, and his non-HDL cholesterol to 54mg/dL! During this time, his medications did not change but he had a powerful impact on his risk profile and heart health with science-based nutrition!

Diet and Lifestyle in Treatment for Aortic Stenosis 

What diet you choose for heart health matters, and good nutrition is key for improving cardiometabolic health for aortic stenosis. Just any diet won’t do; science-based nutrition is essential for improving your vascular health and reducing the risk of complications.

If you’re interested in 1:1 work, where I get to personalize your nutrition, click here to schedule a complimentary discovery call and see if we’re a good fit. For group coaching, check out my 6-week Heart Health Optimization Program.

References

1. Pujari SH, Agasthi P. Aortic Stenosis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; April 16, 2023.
2. Back M et al. Risk factors for aortic stenosis. 2020,  e-Journal of Cardiology Practice; 18(11). https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-18/risk-factors-for-aortic-stenosis
3. Conte M, Petraglia L, Campana P, et al. The role of inflammation and metabolic risk factors in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve stenosis. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021;33(7):1765-1770. doi:10.1007/s40520-020-01681-2
4. Wierenga KA, Pestka JJ. Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Inflammation – You Are What You Eat!. Front Young Minds. 2021;9:601068. doi:10.3389/frym.2021.601068
5. Hisamatsu T, Miura K, Fujiyoshi A, et al. Serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium levels and subclinical calcific aortic valve disease: A population-based study. Atherosclerosis. 2018;273:145-152. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.03.035
6. Schultz CJ, et al. Dietary Vitamin K1 Intake and Incident Aortic Valve Stenosis. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2023;44(2). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.123.320271
7. Wal P, Rathore S, Aziz N, Singh YK, Gupta A. Aortic stenosis: a review on acquired pathogenesis and ominous combination with diabetes mellitus. Egypt Heart J. 2023;75(1):26. Published 2023 Apr 7. doi:10.1186/s43044-023-00345-6
8. Watso JC, Farquhar WB. Hydration Status and Cardiovascular Function. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1866. Published 2019 Aug 11. doi:10.3390/nu11081866

Tsaban G, et al. Effect of Lifestyle Modification and Green Mediterranean Diet on Proximal Aortic Stiffness. JACC. 2023 Apr, 81 (16) 1659–1661. https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.02.032