Aortic valve stenosis
Aortic valve stenosis is best described as a narrowing of the aortic valve, which works to make sure blood is only pumped one way in the circulation. Aortic valve stenosis partially obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle into the ascending aorta when the heart pumps. This means the heart has to pump harder and faster to move the same amount of blood it usually pumps.
Causes of aortic valve stenosis include a congenital bicuspid valve, unexplained or naturally occurring degenerative sclerosis with calcification, and rheumatic fever. The aortic valve is usually made of three leafs or flaps of tissue. If at birth only two flaps develop, aorta valve stenosis will result as the aorta is misshapen and narrowed. Aortic valve stenosis would occur as well if the flaps of tissue making up the valve begin to harden. Eventually the valve would be unable to move and just jut into the centre of the tube. This would definitely serve to narrow the tube. And rheumatic fever causes aortic valve stenosis because it targets these tissues causing them to harden and operate suboptimally.
Aortic valve stenosis
If left untreated, aortic valve stenosis would result in frequent fainting spells, chest pains, and trouble breathing during any form of exercise. Beyond these symptoms, aortic valve stenosis would end in arrhythmias or heart failure.
Once aortic valve stenosis is diagnosed via physical exam (listening with stethoscope) and an echocardiogram, treatment can begin. If there are no symptoms, often it is only monitored and nothing else. However, if there are symptoms, usually valve replacement is warranted to treat aortic valve stenosis.