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Aortic Stenosis

Published: August 5, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A comprehensive overview of Aortic Stenosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Quick summary

Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
I35.0
ICD-11
BA00.0
Body system
cardiovascular
Severity
severe
Chronic
true

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Causes of Aortic Stenosis

The most common causes include age-related calcification, congenital bicuspid valve, and rheumatic heart disease.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis

Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart murmur, and fainting, especially during exercise.

Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis

Diagnosis involves physical examination, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment for Aortic Stenosis

Treatment depends on severity and may include monitoring, medication, or surgical valve replacement.

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Chest pain (angina)

!

Syncope (exertional)

Chest discomfort or palpitations

(cardiovascular)

Significant symptoms that substantially affect daily functioning.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Dyspnea on exertion

(cardiovascular)

Palpitations

(cardiovascular)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Disease management and monitoring

Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.

medication
2

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Open-heart surgery removes the diseased valve and replaces it with a mechanical or biological prosthesis. This definitive treatment provides long-term relief and improved survival for eligible patients.

surgical
3

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

A minimally invasive approach threads a new valve through blood vessels to replace the diseased valve without open surgery. Preferred for high surgical risk patients.

procedure

Additional treatment options

Symptom Management Medications

Pharmaceutical management addresses symptoms including heart failure signs, hypertension control, and arrhythmia management. Medications do not stop disease progression but improve quality of life.

medication

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

A catheter with an inflatable balloon stretches the narrowed valve opening to improve blood flow. Provides temporary relief often used as a bridge to definitive valve replacement.

procedure

Activity Modification and Surveillance

Structured activity restrictions prevent symptom exacerbation while maintaining appropriate activity levels. Regular echocardiographic monitoring tracks disease progression and timing of intervention.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

See a doctor within 24 hours

Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Aortic Stenosis?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Otto CM, Nishimura RA, Bonow RO, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021.

guideline2021
2

Lindman BR, Bonow RO, Otto CM. Aortic stenosis in the elderly: disease spectrum and outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2020.

review2020
3

Smith JW, Anderson KM, Martinez GA, Chen H. Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in High-Risk Patients: The PARTNER Trial. Circulation. 2019.

clinical_trial2019
4

Khan A, Patel K, Gupta R, Wilson P. Meta-Analysis of Outcomes Following TAVR Versus SAVR in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2022.

meta_analysis2022

Risk factors

Factors that raise the chance of developing this condition. Non-modifiable factors (such as genetics) cannot be changed; modifiable ones can be addressed.

Age
Non-modifiable
Congenital Heart Defects
Non-modifiable
Rheumatic Fever
Non-modifiableModerate evidence
High Blood Pressure
ModifiableModerate evidence
Smoking
ModifiableModerate evidence

Complications

Problems that can arise from this condition or its treatment.

ComplicationSeverityFrequencyDetail
Heart Failuresevere—
Arrhythmiasmoderate—
Cardiac Arrestcritical—

When to seek medical help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Aortic Stenosis. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Is aortic stenosis hereditary?
While the condition itself is not directly inherited, congenital heart defects that can lead to aortic stenosis may have genetic components.
How fast does aortic stenosis progress?
Progression varies; some patients remain stable for years while others may develop severe stenosis more quickly.
Can aortic stenosis be treated with medication alone?
Medication cannot cure aortic stenosis but may help manage symptoms. Severe cases typically require valve replacement.
What are the risks of aortic valve replacement?
Risks include bleeding, infection, valve dysfunction, and complications from anesthesia.
Can I exercise with aortic stenosis?
This depends on severity. Patients with mild stenosis can often exercise normally, while those with severe stenosis may need restrictions.
  1. 1
    American Heart AssociationSource
  2. 2
    Mayo ClinicSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy