Pronounced: ay-ORE-tick sten-OH-sis
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This valve is located between the left ventricle (lower pumping chamber) and the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It transports blood from the heart throughout the body. The aortic valve has three cusps, or flaps, that control the direction and flow of the blood. Aortic stenosis causes obstruction or blockage of blood flow through this valve.
The main causes of aortic stenosis include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
Aortic stenosis does not always produce symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
In rare cases, aortic stenosis can cause sudden death with no previous symptoms.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may be alerted to aortic stenosis by the following:
To confirm the diagnosis, tests may include:
If you have mild AS, your condition will be monitored, but may not need immediate treatment. If you have more severe AS, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous physical activity. If necessary, you may be given medications to help prevent heart failure.
Severe AS may require surgery. Options include:
A balloon device is passed through the arteries to open or enlarge the stenotic aortic valve. This may provide temporary relief of symptoms. However, since the valve can become blocked again, this treatment is not a permanent solution.
This is the surgical replacement of a defective heart valve. Currently, there are two types of replacement valves used:
Aortic stenosis cannot be prevented. However, if you have AS, there are several things you can do to try to avoid some of the complications:
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/home/index_e.aspx
Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery
http://csvs.vascularweb.org/
References:
Aortic Stenosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf . Accessed October 13, 2005.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.
Valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis. Am Fam Physician . 2002;65:2342.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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