HEALTH INSIGHTS

Heart Valve Problems: Aortic Stenosis

August 07, 2018

Heart Valve Problems: Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis means your aortic valve has a problem opening. The left ventricle has to work harder to push the blood through the valve. In some cases, this extra work will make the muscle of the ventricle thicken. In time, the extra work can tire the heart and cause the heart muscle to weaken. Stenosis usually get worse slowly, over many years. But sometimes it can quickly get worse.

Cross section of heart showing aortic valve with stenosis.

Cross section of heart showing aortic valve with stenosis.

Open aortic valve with stenosis (viewed from above).

Cross section of heart showing aortic valve with stenosis.

Possible causes

Calcium deposits can form on the aortic valve as you get older. These deposits make the valve stiff and hard to open. In some cases, you may have been born with an abnormal aortic valve. Or your aortic valve may have been damaged by rheumatic fever or a heart infection.

 

Treating aortic stenosis

In many cases, treatment won’t be needed unless you have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, medicines may help relieve them. If the stenosis is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to replace the valve, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Updated:  

August 07, 2018

Sources:  

Natural History of Aortic Stenosis in Adults. UpToDate.

Reviewed By:  

Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Gandelman, Glenn, MD, MPH,Image reviewed by StayWell medical illustration team.