Aortic stenosis means your aortic valve has a problem opening. The aortic valve is one of the heart’s four valves. It's on the left side of the heart. It sits between the left lower chamber (left ventricle) and the large blood vessel that sends blood to the body (aorta). With aortic stenosis, the left ventricle has to work harder to push the blood through the valve. In some cases, this extra work will make the muscle of the ventricle thicken. In time, the extra work can tire the heart and cause the heart muscle to weaken.
Stenosis usually gets worse slowly, over many years. But sometimes, it can quickly get worse.
Possible causes
Calcium deposits can form on the aortic valve as you get older. These deposits make the valve stiff and hard to open. In some cases, you may have been born with an abnormal aortic valve. Or your aortic valve may have been damaged by rheumatic fever or a heart infection. Radiation therapy used as treatment for cancers such as lymphoma, may be a cause.
Treating aortic stenosis
In many cases, treatment won’t be needed unless you have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, medicines may help ease them. If the stenosis is severe, your healthcare provider may advise surgery to replace the valve. Or you may have a catheter-based procedure (transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR) to replace the valve, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Online Medical Reviewer: Callie Tayrien RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Understanding Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Aortic valve regurgitation is when the aortic valve leaks. The aortic valve is one of the heart's four valves. It is on the left side of the heart. It sits between the lower chamber (ventricle) and the large blood vessel that sends blood to the body (aorta).
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. The heart cells enlarge more than they should, and scarring is often found between the cells.
Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an enlarged heart.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy means heart muscle disease. If you have cardiomyopathy, you have a problem with the muscle tissue that makes up your heart. Your heart may not be pumping as well as it should. Read on to learn more.
