Aortic Stenosis Diagram
Normal vs. Stenotic Heart Valve

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS), also called aortic valve stenosis, is a condition in which the aortic valve has become narrowed or constricted (stenotic) and does not open-and-close properly. Many times, calcium deposits in the blood can build up on the aortic valve, causing a hardening (calcification) of the valve and, as a result, aortic stenosis.

The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle, or lower chamber of the heart, and the largest artery (aorta). The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, which carries blood to the brain and the rest of the body.

When the aortic valve becomes stenotic, the ability of the left ventricle to pump blood out of the heart to the aorta and other arteries is impaired. The organs receive an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood, and blood may "back up" into the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

The aortic valve has three flaps, called "leaflets," that open and close.

Th aortic valve should function as a one-way valve: when the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve only allows blood to flow out of the left ventricle and into the aorta.

When the heart relaxes between contractions, the aortic valve closes, preventing blood in the aorta from returning to the left ventricle.

If calcium deposits build up on the aortic valve, the valve becomes hardened (calcified) over time - a clinical sign of aortic stenosis.

When this occurs, the leaflets do not open normally and the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle is reduced. As a result, the heart's ability to supply the body with blood decreases and blood backs up into the lungs.

The left ventricle initially compensates for increased resistance caused by aortic stenosis by thickening to help eject blood through the stenotic aortic valve into the aorta.

This helps overcome aortic stenosis at first, but the left ventricle progressively increases in diameter (dilates), stiffens, and gradually loses its ability to generate enough contractile force to compensate for aortic stenosis. If aortic stenosis remains untreated, the left ventricle becomes further dilated and less able to contract and expel blood into the aorta.

My Experience With Aortic Stenosis And Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery? As you can read in my story, I had severe aortic stenosis and regurgitation when I learned that I needed aortic valve replacement surgery. My heart was already dilated at the time of diagnosis. So you know, I only had one symptom of aortic stenosis.

Ultimately, when your aortic valve narrows, your heart can not pump blood efficiently. Because your heart has to work harder to pump blood through a narrowed aortic valve, over time the heart muscle will weaken, leading to congestive heart failure.

>> NEXT: To better understand aortic stenosis symptoms and the treatment of aortic stenosis through heart valve surgery, please click here.