Aortic stenosis

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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Aortic stenosis Heart valves

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Aortic stenosis

The aorta is the large artery that originates in 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.

Aortic stenosis is caused by many disorders. One common cause is rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat. Other causes include calcification of the valve and congenital abnormalities (disorders present at birth). There may be a history of other valve diseases, coronary artery disease, or heart murmur.

Aortic stenosis occurs in approximately 5 out of every 10,000 people. It is more common among men. Symptoms often do not appear until middle age or older.

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