Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve becomes stiff and can no longer open all the way. This impedes blood flow from the left ventricle to the arteries and can lead to heart failure. The three main causes are:

• Congenital — progressive wear and tear of an abnormal valve since birth
• Rheumatic — scarring of the aortic valve due to rheumatic fever as a child or young adult
• Degenerative — wear and tear of the valve in the elderly

Aortic stenosis is three times more common in men than women. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain or palpitations with exertion. Aortic valve replacement is the most effective treatment for severe aortic stenosis.

Aortic regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly, causing it to leak. The left ventricle must pump more blood than usual, and gradually enlarges because of the extra workload. The main causes are:

• Congenital — progressive wear and tear of a bicuspid or other abnormal valve since birth
• Infection — from rheumatic fever as a child or young adult, or infective endocarditis
• Disease — such as Marfan syndrome or high blood pressure that causes the aortic root (the part attached to the ventricle) to widen so it no longer pumps blood properly

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain or palpitations with exertion. Aortic valve replacement is the most effective treatment for aortic regurgitation.