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Aortic Valve Stenosis

Dr. Alrich L. Gray // Central Montana Heart & Vascular Institute

Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis is a type of valve disease in which the leaflets of your aortic valve stiffen or fuse together, and do not open all the way. This creates a narrowed opening for blood to pass through.


Aortic Valve Disease

Aortic valve disease is a condition where the valve between the pumping chamber of your heart (left ventricle) and the main blood vessel of your body (aorta) is not working effectively. Symptoms include:

  • Abnormal heart sound (heart murmur) heard through a stethoscope
  • Shortness of breath, particularly when you have been very active or when you lie down
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Irregular heartbeat

There are several treatment options for aortic valve diseases. Your doctor may perform a balloon valvuloplasty, where he will insert a balloon into the valve and inflate the balloon to open the valve, allowing more effective blood flow.