Aortic valve stenosis

Definition:

Narrowing (stenosis) of the heart valve between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta. This narrowing impedes the delivery of blood through the aorta to the body and makes it tough for the heart to carry out this Herculean task. A normal aortic valve has three leaflets or cusps, but a stenotic valve may have only one cusp (unicuspid) or two cusps (bicuspid), which are thick, stiff, and stenotic.

Prevention:

  • Take steps to prevent rheumatic fever.
  • Address risk factors for coronary artery disease. These include:
    • High blood pressure
    • Obesity
    • High cholesterol levels.

Treatment:

  • Medications
    • No medications can reverse aortic valve stenosis. However, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help your heart, such as ones to control heart rhythm disturbances associated with aortic valve stenosis.
  • Procedures
    • You may need valve repair or replacement to treat aortic valve stenosis.