The aortic valve, located between the aorta and the left ventricle of the heart, can become narrowed or blocked (stenosis). Stenosis obstructs the blood flow from the aorta to the left ventricle, increasing strain on the heart. Aortic valve stenosis can be caused by congenital abnormalities, calcium deposits that form on the valve due to aging, or rheumatic fever.

 
Aortic valve stenosis usually develops slowly, with symptoms occurring when the stenosis becomes severe. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, faintness or weakness with activity and irregular heart beat. Aortic valve stenosis can be diagnosed through detection of a heart murmur using a stethoscope, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray and cardiac catheterization.  

Treatment depends on the severity of the stenosis. Damaged valves can be surgically replaced with either mechanical or biologic (tissue) valves. Balloon valvuloplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that poses less risk than valve surgery, can be used. This usually produces only temporary results, however.

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