Aortic stenosis

Definition

The aorta is the large artery that originates from the left ventricle (lower chamber) of the heart. Aortic stenosis is the narrowing or obstruction of the heart's aortic valve, which prevents it from opening properly and blocks the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Alternative Names

Causes

As the aortic valve becomes more narrow, the pressure increases inside the left heart ventricle. This causes the left heart ventricle to become thicker, which decreases blood flow and can lead to chest pain. As the pressure continues to increase, blood may back up into the lungs, and you may feel short of breath. Severe forms of aortic stenosis prevent enough blood from reaching the brain and rest of the body. Lightheadedness and fainting can result.

Aortic stenosis may be present from birth (congenital), or it may develop later in life (acquired). Children may have other congenital conditions.

Aortic stenosis is caused by many disorders. One common cause in adults is rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat. Calcification of the valve can also cause this condition. In this case, the condition is usually not seen until a person reaches their 70s.

Aortic stenosis is not very common. It occurs more often in men than in women.

References

Otto CM, Bonow RO. Valvular heart disease. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap 62.