Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is when the aortic valve in the heart does not open fully with each beat. Ordinarily, blood flows from the left ventricle through the aortic valve and out to the aorta, supplying blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. When the valve does not open all the way, the heart must work harder to push blood through the narrow opening and blood flow is reduced.
Risk Factors
- Bicuspid aortic valve (two leaflets instead of three)
- History of heart infections (such as rheumatic fever)
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- History of chest radiation
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or discomfort
Diagnostics
- Bicuspid aortic valve (two leaflets instead of three)
- History of heart infections (such as rheumatic fever)
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- History of chest radiation
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or discomfort
Treatments
- Bicuspid aortic valve (two leaflets instead of three)
- History of heart infections (such as rheumatic fever)
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- History of chest radiation
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or discomfort