Delays in Treating Aortic Stenosis: Hundreds Dying on NHS Waiting Lists Each Year

A recent investigation by The Guardian has revealed a deeply concerning trend: more than 400 people with severe aortic stenosis are dying each year while waiting for treatment on NHS lists. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in how heart valve conditions are diagnosed, prioritised, and treated. 

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a serious heart valve condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. It is most commonly caused by age-related calcification, but can also result from congenital defects or rheumatic fever.

Detection and Treatment

Early detection is critical. Symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, and fainting should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Diagnosis typically involves:

• Echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart)
• Electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Cardiac catheterisation in complex cases

Treatment options include:

• Aortic valve replacement (AVR) – either surgical or via a less invasive procedure known as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
• Medication – to manage symptoms, though it does not cure the condition

Complications of Delayed Treatment

When left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to severe and life-threatening complications, including:

• Stroke – due to reduced blood flow or embolism
• Blood clots – increasing the risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
• Endocarditis – a potentially fatal infection of the heart lining
• Heart failure – as the heart struggles to pump effectively

Beyond the immediate medical risks, delayed treatment can have profound long-term effects on a person’s ability to work, life expectancy and ongoing care needs. Many patients face a significant decline in quality of life, often requiring long-term support or residential care.

A Call for Improved Care

The current backlog in treatment is not just a statistic—it represents hundreds of lives lost each year to a condition that is both diagnosable and treatable. At Freeths, Senior Associate Lauren Green believes that:

“Every patient has the right to timely, effective care. The tragic loss of life due to delays in treating aortic stenosis is unacceptable. We must hold systems accountable and ensure that those affected receive the justice and support they deserve.”