Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the body. The heart must work harder to push blood through the narrowed valve, which can eventually lead to thickening of the heart muscle, heart failure, fainting, or dangerous symptoms if the condition becomes severe.
Aortic stenosis may be caused by age-related calcium buildup, a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, prior rheumatic fever, or other valve disease. Regular evaluation is important because symptoms may develop gradually.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness with exertion
- Shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance
- Dizziness, near-fainting, or fainting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Heart murmur or abnormal echocardiogram
How we evaluate this condition
- Physical exam and murmur assessment
- Echocardiogram to measure valve narrowing and heart function
- EKG, stress testing, or additional imaging when appropriate
- Valve-team referral when severe or symptomatic aortic stenosis is suspected
Treatment and care options
- Close monitoring for mild or moderate disease
- Medication management for associated blood pressure, rhythm, or heart failure symptoms
- Referral coordination for surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement depending on age, anatomy, symptoms, and procedural risk
- Education about symptoms that require urgent evaluation
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 for fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or sudden weakness in a patient with known or suspected severe aortic stenosis.