Narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve (one of the heart valves), causing obstruction of blood flow into the circulation. This makes the heart work harder and causes the muscle in the wall of the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) to thicken. Narrowing of the valve also reduces the amount of blood flowing into the coronary arteries. The most common cause of aortic stenosis is deposition of calcium on the aortic valve, usually associated with atherosclerosis. Aortic stenosis may also be caused by a congenital abnormality. Aortic stenosis may not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include fainting, lack of energy, chest pain on exertion due to angina, and breathing difficulty. Chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiography may be carried out to diagnose aortic stenosis. A cardiac catheter can be used to demonstrate the degree of stenosis (see catheterization, cardiac). Heart-valve surgery may be needed to widen or replace the damaged valve.
Aortic stenosis |
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