Ask the doctor. I'm 78 years old. I've known for years that I have a narrowing of the aortic valve of my heart. My doctors are always asking me whether I have chest pain, fainting spells, or any other special symptoms. Until recently, the answer has been no. A few days ago, however, I was washing dishes in my kitchen, and I suddenly felt lightheaded and fell to the ground. I didn't black out, but I almost did. Now my doctor is saying that I should have my aortic valve replaced. Isn't this rather an extreme response to just one spell of lightheadedness?