Aortic Stenosis

Your Partner in Aortic Stenosis Care 

Your aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When the aortic valve that controls your blood flow doesn’t work well, you need medical care.

The cardiovascular specialists at Emory Heart & Vascular have the expertise to identify your problem quickly. Our comprehensive team of cardiologists, surgeons and cardiovascular imaging specialists provide you with innovative and effective cardiovascular care. We will work with you to find the best treatment for your needs.

We’re here as your health care partner. Our goal is to help you regain your strength so you can get back to the activities you enjoy most.

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What Are Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Regurgitation? 

There are two types of aortic valve problems—aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. Both are considered structural heart conditions.

  • Aortic stenosis: This condition is one of the most common forms of heart valve disease. It happens when the valve between your aorta and your heart’s lower left chamber narrows. That smaller space in your aorta decreases the blood flow from your heart.
  • Aortic regurgitation: This condition occurs when your aortic valve doesn’t close completely each time your heart pumps. This problem causes blood to leak back toward your heart.

Both conditions limit blood flow throughout your body and force your heart to pump harder. As a result, you could also develop heart failure.  

More Options for Aortic Stenosis Treatment 

The heart experts at Emory Healthcare offer the latest in aortic valve repair and replacement to correct aortic stenosis or regurgitation.

We offer surgical, percutaneous and robotics procedures as well as more than 20 clinical trials in the structural heart disease space. Our individualized approach allows us to find unique solutions for those tough cases where the usual just won’t do.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Regurgitation 

Early-stage aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation may not produce symptoms. But you may experience these signs as your condition worsens:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Decrease in activity
  • Difficulty breathing when lying down
  • Difficulty walking short distances
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Heart murmur (irregular heart sound)
  • Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering heartbeat)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weakness 

Aortic stenosis is a structural heart condition. Emory Heart & Vascular experts offer a range of structural heart treatments.

Learn more about Emory's range of structural heart treatments

Causes of Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Regurgitation 

Your risk of developing aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation increases with age. These conditions occur most often in people over age 70. Other conditions can also raise your risk. These include:

  • Aortic valve calcification (calcium buildup on the valve)
  • Bacterial infection of heart tissue
  • Bicuspid aortic valves (a valve with two flaps instead of three)
  • High blood pressure
  • Rheumatic valvular disease 

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