Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart's aortic valve narrows, preventing it from opening fully and reducing blood flow to the rest of the body. Over time, this forces the heart to work harder, which can weaken the heart muscle.
Overview
Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart's aortic valve narrows, preventing it from opening fully and reducing blood flow to the rest of the body. Over time, this forces the heart to work harder, which can weaken the heart muscle.
Understand this condition
The heart's aortic valve acts as a one-way door to the main artery. In this condition, the door becomes stiff and cannot open wide enough. This forces the heart to push harder to get blood through a smaller opening.
Why it happens
Age-related calcium deposits or birth defects cause the valve leaflets to thicken and fuse together. As the opening narrows, the heart muscle thickens to compensate for the pressure. Eventually, the heart becomes exhausted and cannot meet the body's demand for oxygenated blood.
Real-world scenarios
- •People may notice they get winded more easily during short walks.
- •This often appears as a sudden dizzy spell when standing up quickly.
- •People may feel unusual heavy pressure in the chest during yard work.
- •This often involves a doctor hearing a murmur during a routine checkup.
Common vs serious explanations
- •General decline in fitness or aging
- •Deconditioning from a sedentary lifestyle
- •Asthma or seasonal allergies causing breathlessness
- •Side effects from certain medications
- Congestive heart failure from valve obstruction
- Coronary artery disease limiting blood to the heart
- Pulmonary hypertension causing lung pressure buildup
- Dangerous heart rhythm disturbances like ventricular tachycardia
Symptoms
Click any symptom to analyzeNo symptoms mapped yet.
Causes
- •Calcium buildup on the valve over time
- •Congenital heart defects (such as bicuspid aortic valve)
- •Rheumatic fever complications
- •Radiation therapy to the chest
Risk factors
- •Older age
- •High blood pressure
- •High cholesterol
- •Chronic kidney disease
- •History of heart infections
How it progresses
3 stages- Stage 1 — EarlyMild or intermittent symptoms; easily mistaken for something minor.Often missed
- Stage 2 — ProgressiveSymptoms become more frequent or severe.
- Stage 3 — EstablishedDaily life affected; medical care strongly recommended.
How it's diagnosed
- •Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- •Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- •Chest X-ray
- •Cardiac catheterization
- •Exercise stress tests
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •Watchful waiting for mild cases
- •Aortic valve replacement surgery
- •Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
- •Medications to manage blood pressure or arrhythmias
- •Low-sodium diet to manage blood pressure
- •Regular light physical activity as tolerated
- •Monitoring for new or worsening symptoms
- •Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
Complications
- •Long-term damage if untreated
- •Reduced quality of life
- •Worsening symptoms over time
- •Recurrence of aortic stenosis
Prevention
- •Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- •See a clinician for routine check-ups
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to aortic stenosis
- Sudden fainting or loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Extreme shortness of breath at rest
- Rapid or fluttering heartbeat
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Aortic Stenosis cause headaches?
- ›Is Aortic Stenosis reversible?
- ›How quickly does Aortic Stenosis progress?
- ›Is Aortic Stenosis hereditary?
- ›Can Aortic Stenosis be prevented?
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Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Aortic Stenosis include Calcium buildup on the valve over time, Congenital heart defects (such as bicuspid aortic valve), Rheumatic fever complications, Radiation therapy to the chest.
Aortic Stenosis can be serious and may require prompt medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Aortic Stenosis typically benefits from medical evaluation and should not be ignored.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026