aortic valve stenosis
Quick Summary
Aortic valve stenosis is a condition where the passage between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta narrows. This narrowing is most often at the aortic valve itself, but can occur above or below it.1
Causes vary by age:
* Congenital: Usually seen in individuals under 20.1
* Rheumatic heart disease: Common in middle age.1
* Degeneration: Occurs in older individuals due to age-related changes.1
Symptoms can include fainting after exertion, chest pain (angina pectoris), and heart failure due to the heart's inability to pump effectively. Treatment may involve medication for symptoms or surgery to repair or replace the valve. In children, severe cases can lead to sudden death or heart failure. Patients with significant aortic stenosis are often advised to avoid competitive sports.12
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cardiovascular diseaseAbnormalities of the valvesA bicuspid aortic valve is not necessarily life-threatening, but in some persons it becomes thickened and obstructed (stenotic). With age the valve may also become incompetent or act as a nidus (focus of infection) for bacterial endocarditis. Congenital aortic valve stenosis, if severe, results in hypertrophy of…
Read MoreA bicuspid aortic valve is not necessarily life-threatening, but in some persons it becomes thickened and obstructed (stenotic). With age the valve may also become incompetent or act as a nidus (focus of infection) for bacterial endocarditis. Congenital aortic valve stenosis, if severe, results in hypertrophy of…
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cardiovascular diseaseRheumatic heart disease…there may be evidence of stenosis or insufficiency. The presence of aortic stenosis may lead to a marked hypertrophy (enlargement) of the left ventricle of the heart. Involvement of either the tricuspid or pulmonic valve occurs in a similar fashion. In many persons with rheumatic valvular disease, more than one…
Read More…there may be evidence of stenosis or insufficiency. The presence of aortic stenosis may lead to a marked hypertrophy (enlargement) of the left ventricle of the heart. Involvement of either the tricuspid or pulmonic valve occurs in a similar fashion. In many persons with rheumatic valvular disease, more than one…
Read More