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Signs & Symptoms of Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis is a medical condition where the aortic valve does not open as fully as it should. This restricts blood flow and increases pressures inside the heart. It can be present at birth or it can develop in adulthood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, when acquired in adulthood, the most common cause of aortic valve stenosis is a complication of rheumatic fever.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of aortic valve stenosis might be mild or severe. They include shortness of breath on exertion and chest pain. The chest pain is described as being a crushing pain or tightness in the chest. It worsens with exercise and is felt under the sternum. Other symptoms include fainting upon exertion, dizziness and a sensation of a fluttering heart rhythm. It is also possible for you to have aortic valve stenosis and have no symptoms at all.

    Heart Failure

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, aortic valve stenosis that is not properly treated may cause weakening of the heart. This could progress to heart failure and cause symptoms like swollen ankles, fatigue and feeling short of breath. Irregular heart rhythms might develop and in severe cases, cardiac arrest may occur.

    Children

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, children that have aortic valve stenosis may be smaller than normal for their age and tire easily. They may have sweaty skin, pale skin and rapid respirations.

    Signs

    • The medical signs of aortic valve stenosis include a heart murmur or abnormal heart sound, low blood pressure, faint pulse, abnormal ECG and an enlarged heart as shown on an X-ray. Other tests used to diagnose aortic valve stenosis include a cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram, MRI and cardiac stress test.

      Aortic valve stenosis may be first suspected when your doctor listens to your heart during a routine checkup and hears abnormal heart sounds with his stethoscope. Follow-up tests confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition so proper medical treatment can begin.

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