Stenosis by all means narrowing. Normally, oxygen rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle, through the aortic valve and into the aorta. Significant aortic stenosis is relatively uncommon affecting about 6 of every 1000 babies born and occurs more often in boys. When a child has aortic stenosis, the area where blood exits the heart's lower left chamber is too narrow. Heart valves are thin leaflets of tissue which open and close at the proper time during each heart beat cycle. The heart muscle may also begin to weaken, leading to heart failure. When the degree of narrowing becomes significant enough to impede the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the arteries, heart problems develop. Aortic stenosis occurs 3 times more commonly in men than women. The result is that the left ventricle must squeeze harder to get a sufficient amount of blood through the aortic valve with each beat. The increased work load makes the muscle of the left ventricle grow thicker (hypertrophy). Eventually the heart muscle cannot keep up with the work load and begins to fail.



Causes of Aortic Stenosis

The common Causes of Aortic Stenosis :

Progressive calcification of the aortic valve with age (most common in elderly)

A bicuspid (two-part) aortic valve with progressive wear and tear

An aortic valve that has only one cusp or is otherwise stenotic from birth

Rarely, scarring of the aortic valve caused by rheumatic fever

A birth defect of the aortic valve (this valve normally has three cusps)

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

Some Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis :

Fatigue, especially during times of increased activity

Dizziness

weakness ,

Shortness of breath, especially with exertion

Breathlessness with activity

Fainting.

Sensation of feeling the heart beat ( palpitations )

Chest pain ,

Heart murmur

Treatment of Aortic Stenosis

Surgery is the only treatment to cure aortic stenosis. The procedures may include an aortic valve replacement, aortic valve repair or aortic balloon valvuloplasty. Ask your caregiver for more information about these procedures.

Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria

This medicine may be given to make your heart beat stronger or more regularly. There are many different kinds of heart medicines. Talk with your caregiver to find out what your medicine is and why you are taking it.

This is medicine that may be given to help thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming.

This medicine is often called "water pills". Diuretics help your body get rid of extra fluid (edema) in your legs and ankles. This medicine may also help get rid of extra fluid in your lungs or around your heart. It may also decrease your blood pressure. You may urinate more often when taking diuretics.

This type of medicine is given to help decrease (lower) the amount of cholesterol (fat) in your blood.