Aortic Valve Stenosis (Heart Valve Defect)
Description
A condition in which the heart's aortic valve narrows. The aortic valve separates the heart from the aorta. When the heart pumps blood is pushed through the aortic valve into the aorta and to the rest of the body. The aortic valve closes when the heart relaxes preventing blood from flowing backward into the heart. The narrowing prevents the valve from opening fully, obstructing blood flow from the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body.
Symptoms
Chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, heart arrhythmias, heart failure, death.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An echocardiogram will be performed to determine the severity of the stenosis. Cardiac catheterization is performed before surgery to detect any blockages of the coronary arteries.
Treatment
Observation with serial echocardiograms. Surgical repair is necessary when the blockage becomes severe or when the patient experiences serious symptoms such as fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573.
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