Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing of the aortic valve. This valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to a large artery called the aorta. The aorta carries the blood to the rest of the body.
Aortic stenosis can interfere or block the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It could also cause a back-up of blood into the heart and lungs. AS can range from mild to severe.
Heart Chambers and Valves
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The aortic valve is normally made up of three cusps that open and close together. In babies, AS is caused by a birth defect of the aortic valve that may result in:
- One cusp that can not open as fully as three cusps
- Two cusps that are damaged
- Cusps that are partly closed or do not open correctly due to thickness
The aortic valve can also be damaged by infection or injury to the valve.
Factors that increase your child's chance of developing AS include:
Tell the doctor if your child has any of these risk factors.
Mild AS may not cause any symptoms. More severe AS may cause:
- Extreme fatigue after exercise or exertion
- Fainting with exercise or exertion
- Pain, squeezing, pressure, or tightness of the chest, usually occurring with exertion
- Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness with exertion
In rare cases, AS can cause:
Abnormal heart rhythms (
- Sudden death with no previous symptoms
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may be alerted of AS by the following:
- Abnormal chest sounds, such as a heart murmur or click
- Noticeable chest heave or vibration when the doctor's hand is held over your child’s heart
To confirm the diagnosis, tests may include:
Mild AS will be monitored for any changes or complication. Treatment may not be needed right away.
Treatment options for moderate to severe AS may include:
If your child has moderate to severe AS, your child may need to avoid strenuous physical activity. For example, your child will not be able to play competitive sports.
If necessary, your child may be given medication to help prevent
In certain cases, your child may need to take antibiotics before dental appointments or surgical procedures. This is to prevent an infection that could affect his heart.
Severe AS may require surgery. Options include:
- Balloon valvuloplasty
—A balloon device is passed through the arteries to open or enlarge the aortic valve. This may provide relief of symptoms. Since the valve can become blocked again, this surgery may need to be repeated.
- Aortic valve replacement
—This is the surgical replacement of a defective heart valve.
Congenital AS cannot be prevented.
Aortic stenosis. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site481/mainpageS481P0.html. Accessed June 24, 2013.
Aortic stenois. Cincinnati Children’s website. Available at:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/anomalies/avs.htm. Accessed June 24, 2013.
Aortic stenosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated May 20, 2013. Accessed June 24, 2013.
Last reviewed June 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.