What is Aortic Stenosis?

The aortic valve is located between the heart and the aorta, allowing blood to flow in one direction and preventing backflow. Due to various reasons, narrowing (stenosis) can develop in the aortic valve, preventing it from opening properly and restricting blood flow. Aortic stenosis requires surgical intervention when the pressure difference between the heart and the aorta exceeds a certain threshold.

What are the Causes of Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is the most common heart valve disease, especially in the elderly population, but it can occur at any age.

Possible causes include:

  • Degeneration: As people age, calcium deposits can accumulate on the valve due to wear and tear, leading to calcific aortic stenosis.
  • Genetic aortic valve abnormalities: If one or two of the valve leaflets are congenitally absent, these leaflets may deteriorate over time, causing aortic stenosis.
  • Rheumatic fever: This serious bacterial infection affects the heart, joints, and kidneys. The streptococcal bacteria responsible for throat infections can damage heart valves, leading to aortic stenosis at a young age.
  • Other causes: Conditions like endocarditis, chronic kidney failure, radiation therapy to the chest, and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can also damage the aortic valve.
What are the Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis?

Symptoms of aortic stenosis often appear gradually. Initially mild, they can worsen over time and affect daily activities. The symptoms of aortic stenosis include:

  • Chest pain: A sensation of tightness or pain, especially during physical activity, is a major indicator of aortic stenosis.
  • Fatigue and dizziness: Due to inadequate blood flow, patients may feel fatigued and weak during everyday tasks.
  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can occur during exercise or physical activity.
  • Fainting: Fainting during high-intensity activities is a sign that the stenosis is severe and requires early intervention.
  • Heart murmur: A doctor may detect an abnormal heart sound during auscultation.
  • Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats can cause palpitations.
  • Dizziness: Patients may feel dizzy during exercise.

Aortic stenosis can also affect infants and children, manifesting as difficulty gaining weight, increased breathing problems after birth, and rapid fatigue.

It’s important for patients experiencing these symptoms to consult their doctor for early detection and treatment to prevent serious complications.