Aortic Stenosis

Risk factors

Aortic stenosis may be present from birth (congenital), or it may develop later in life (acquired).  Other risk factors include: 

• hypertension

• male gender

• rheumatic fever

Symptoms

• breathlessness with activity

• chest pain, angina–type under the sternum, may radiate; crushing, squeezing, pressure, tightness; increased with exercise, relieved with rest

• dizziness

• fainting or weakness with activity

• reduced stamina, fatigue

• palpitations

Diagnostic Tools

Many tests are used to diagnose aortic valve disease.  Usually, more than one test will be done before a definitive diagnosis can be made. These tests may include:

• physical examination and patient history   

• ECG 

• chest X–ray  

• echocardiogram 

• cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography  

• cardiac CT angiography

Treatment Options

Heart valve surgery can be used to replace or repair damaged aortic valves:

• aortic valve repair surgery corrects aortic insufficiency; the damaged valve is strengthened and shortened to help the valve close more tightly.

• aortic valve replacement surgery corrects both aortic stenosis and insufficiency. 

Surgeons may consider replacing the original valve with either:

• mechanical valves, created from man–made materials, which require long-term blood thinning with warfarin medication. 

• biological (tissue) valves

Prevention

Steps to prevent or to reduce the risk of aortic stenosis include:

• telling your health care provider if there is a family history of congenital heart diseases

• telling your health care provider about any history of heart valve disease

• consider treatment of elevated cholesterol which may prevent or delay worsening of aortic stenosis