Overview
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, the main valve through which blood leaves the heart. As the valve stiffens, the heart must work harder to push blood out to the body. It often develops slowly with age and may cause no symptoms for years, then lead to breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting. Once symptoms appear, timely evaluation is important.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Chest pain or tightness with activity
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
- Heart palpitations
- A heart murmur heard by a clinician
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related calcium buildup on the valve
- A valve that was abnormal from birth (bicuspid valve)
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Long-standing high blood pressure as a contributing factor
Treatment & self-care
Care involves monitoring the valve over time and, when narrowing becomes severe or symptoms develop, considering procedures to repair or replace the valve. Management of related conditions and regular follow-up are important, and treatment should be planned by a licensed clinician, typically a cardiologist.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting with activity
- You have been told you have a heart murmur or valve problem
- You have new or worsening heart symptoms
- You faint or have severe chest pain — seek emergency care
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.