Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis (or aortic stenosis) describes an aortic valve in your heart that’s narrowed or blocked. This interferes with the normal blood flow out of your heart. Because this condition restricts blood flow, it also limits how much oxygen your body gets. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and fainting. Aortic stenosis can cause heart damage, major health problems and even death.

One of four valves in your heart, your aortic valve is the last one that blood flows through before going out to your body. Your aortic valve has three flaps (leaflets) that open to let blood pass through and then seal shut to keep blood from flowing backward into the last heart chamber.

A problem with this valve can be concerning. But today, there are more options than ever to treat aortic stenosis.

How common is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is common in people over 65. But many people don’t know they have it until it causes symptoms or shows up on a screening or diagnostic test.

Several diseases can also cause it to develop when people reach middle age. In rare instances, children can have a congenital (present at birth) condition that causes aortic valve stenosis.