Aortic stenosis or aortic valve stenosis occurs when the aortic valve in the heart constricts or becomes clogged, thus hindering the heart’s natural ability to pump blood out, and damaging the heart, causing life-threatening complications.

The following are some of the possible reasons for aortic valve stenosis:

Congenital condition: Bicuspid aortic valves, which have two cusps rather than three , can occasionally be found at birth.

Calcification: In people with congenital valve abnormalities, calcification leads to stiffness of the valve cusps at a young age.

Rheumatic fever: If left untreated, infections like scarlet fever or strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever.

Other conditions: Aortic valve stenosis may also result from systemic lupus erythematosus, alkaptonuria, radiation exposure, and several other metabolic disorders.

From mild to severe, aortic valve stenosis can manifest itself and they may include:

• Problems with short-distance walking
• Palpitations
• A decrease in hunger
• Spitting blood when coughing

Children and infants with congenital aortic stenosis may display symptoms like:

• Exertion-induced tiredness
• Insufficient or poor dietary intake
• Breathing issues
• Being easily tired after effort

Aortic stenosis is not completely avoidable in people born with valve defects but some measures can be taken to prevent them like,

• Eat heart healthy food.
• Avoid high-fat and fried food.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Maintain proper oral hygiene.
• Treating strep throat can help avoid rheumatic fever.

Complications of this disease may include:

• Heart failure.
• Stroke.
• Bleeding.
• Arrhythmias.
• Infections like endocarditis.
• Sudden Death.