Aortic stenosis

Alternative names:

aortic valve stenosis

Definition:

A narrowing or obstruction of the aortic heart valve, causing it to not open properly and to obstruct the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Aortic stenosis is caused by many disorders. One cause is rheumatic fever. Other causes include calcification of the valve and congenital abnormalities. There may be a history of other valve diseases, coronary artery disease, or heart murmur.

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