What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is narrowing and calcification of the aortic valve. This form of heart valve disease is most commonly associated with aging. Patients experience symptoms of aortic stenosis when the stiff, calcified leaflets of the aortic valve do not open enough to allow sufficient blood flow to exit the heart.
Typical symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting
Patients who experience symptoms of critical aortic stenosis have a poor survival rate without interventional treatment.