Aortic stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis; Rheumatic aortic stenosis; Calcific aortic stenosis; Heart aortic stenosis; Valvular aortic stenosis; Congenital heart - aortic stenosis; Rheumatic fever - aortic stenosis

The aorta is the main artery that carries blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. Blood flows out of the heart and into the aorta through the aortic valve. In people with aortic stenosis, the aortic valve does not open fully. This decreases blood flow from the heart.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) overview

Valvular heart disease (VHD) describes any abnormality of the heart valves, including the valves on the left side of the heart: mitral and aortic valves, and the valves on the right side of the heart: the tricuspid and pulmonary valves. In a normally functioning heart, valves ensure that blood flows in only one direction and at the right time. The valves act like gates that swing open to allow blood flow and then shut tightly until the next cycle begins. Valvular heart disease consists of two types of abnormalities: stenosis, where the valve does not open completely impairing forward blood flow, and regurgitation, where the valve does not close completely allowing reversed blood flow. Abnormal blood flow often produces atypical heart sounds known as murmurs. The most common causes of valvular disease include infective endocarditis, rheumatic fever, congenital malformations, and trauma. Predisposing factors include hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, pregnancy, anemia, and infection. Treatment of valvular diseases often includes a combination of lifestyle changes, drug therapy, balloon valvuloplasty, or valve replacement surgery depending on the severity.

Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disorder that narrows or obstructs the aortic valve opening. Narrowing of the aortic valve prevents the valve from opening properly and obstructs the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can reduce the amount of blood that flows forward to the body.

Heart valves

The valves of the heart open and close to control the flow of blood entering or leaving the heart.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional