As your heart beats, it pumps
blood from the left ventricle
through the aortic valve
and into the aorta, your body’s
largest artery.
The aortic valve is made up
of three triangular flaps
of tissue called cusps that open
and close to keep blood flowing
in only one direction .
Sometimes, the aortic valve
opening narrows – a serious
condition called aortic stenosis
.
This narrowing obstructs blood
flow from your heart
into your aorta
and out to the rest
of your body.
To pump enough blood
to your body, your heart must
work harder.
Eventually, this can weaken
the muscle and may lead to heart
failure .
Aortic stenosis is typically
caused by the buildup of calcium
deposits over time,
and mostly affects older adults.
As blood constantly flows
over the aortic valve,
calcium, a mineral found
naturally in your blood,
accumulates on the valve's
cusps.
Calcium deposits can build up
sooner in people with abnormal
aortic valves – such as having 2
cusps instead of 3 --
or as a result of chest
radiation for cancer treatment .
Another cause
is rheumatic fever, which can
cause scar tissue to form
on the aortic valve.
This scar tissue may narrow
the aortic valve, but it can
also create a rough surface
where calcium deposits may
collect more easily .
Whatever the cause,
aortic stenosis can be
a serious condition.
If you have
severe aortic stenosis,
you may need surgery to repair
or replace the valve.
