Veteran Actor Prem Chopra Battles Severe Aortic Stenosis: Expert Explains This Condition

Veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra has recently been diagnosed with a serious heart condition, described by his family as 'severe aortic stenosis.' The news was shared by his son-in-law, Sharman Joshi, who confirmed that Prem Chopra underwent a successful heart valve procedure and is now recovering at home.

The actor, well known for his decades-long career across Hindi cinema, often playing iconic villainous roles, had been hospitalised earlier for chest congestion. What was initially considered age-related care soon evolved into a diagnosis that required cardiac intervention.

What Happened: The Diagnosis

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In early December 2025, actor Sharman Joshi publicly announced that Chopra had been diagnosed with "severe aortic stenosis".

Prem Chopra underwent a minimally invasive procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, or TAVI, to treat the condition. This allowed the doctors to replace or repair the narrowed aortic valve without having to perform open-heart surgery.

The procedure was successful, there were no complications, and Chopra has returned home and is recovering well, according to the family's statement.

What Is Severe Aortic Stenosis: The Condition Explained

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"Severe aortic stenosis is a serious heart condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the aorta and onward to the rest of the body. his puts additional stress on the heart to push blood, which if not treated, may lead to heart failure and other critical life-threatening complications," explained Dr Gulshan Rohra, Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.

Causes and Risk Factors

Aortic stenosis can develop due to age-related calcium buildup on the valve, congenital heart defects such as a bicuspid aortic valve, or rheumatic fever. "Older adults are most commonly affected, with men slightly more at risk than women. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a history of smoking," added Dr Rohra.

Symptoms

Symptoms often develop gradually and may be subtle initially but can become severe as the disease progresses. Common symptoms include the following:

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  • Chest pain-angina: This usually occurs with exertion and is caused by inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscle.
  • Shortness of breath: This occurs as the heart becomes unable to pump effectively, thus leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Fatigue and weakness: This is because the amount of oxygen-rich blood coming to the body is less, thereby leading to tiredness even on doing everyday tasks.
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat: This may result when the heart works harder because of the narrowed valve.
  • Dizziness or fainting (syncope): A serious symptom of inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Diagnosis

"Diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical examination, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (ECG) and, in selected cases, cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of the severity of the stenosis and its consequence on cardiac function," said Dr Rohra.

Treatment Options

Management depends on the severity of symptoms and valve narrowing. Mild cases may require regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications. Severe aortic stenosis often necessitates interventional treatment:

  • Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): Open-heart surgery to replace the damaged valve with a mechanical or tissue valve.
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A less invasive procedure suitable for high-risk patients, involving valve replacement via a catheter inserted through the leg or chest.
  • Medications: While they cannot cure the stenosis, drugs such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors may help manage symptoms temporarily.

Bottomline

Dr Rohra concluded, "Severe aortic stenosis is progressive and potentially life-threatening. Its early detection through regular check-ups of the heart, therefore, is very important, especially for those with predisposing factors. Timely medical intervention-surgical or catheter-based-frequently improves quality of life and long-term survival."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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