October 15, 2015 |

Causes of Aortic Stenosis

Aortis Stenosis occurs due to a narrowing of the aortic valve. In this video, Dr. Preeti Parikh outlines the three main causes of Aortis Stenosis.

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Aortis Stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve. In this video, Dr. Preeti Parikh outlines the three main causes of Aortic Stenosis. These causes include calcification of the heart valve, a defect in the way the valve was formed at birth, and scarring due to illness.

Calcification occurs when deposits of calcium, a mineral in the blood, builds up around the aortic valve. This build up can make the valve brittle and thick. Aortic Stenosis typically affects people over the age of 60.

Some people can develop Aortis Stenosis because they were born with a deformed aortic valve. Generally, those born with a deformed valve have a family history of aortic stenosis. To gauge your risk, be sure to find out if anyone in your immediate family has this condition.

Scarring on the aortic valve can also cause it to narrow, which can result from rheumatic fever. This is an atypical cause of Aortic Stenosis. Rheumatic fever has been all but eradicated in the United States.

Unfortunately, Aortis Stenosis is difficult to prevent, so be sure to speak to your doctor to gauge if you are at risk.

Medical Contributors:

Transcript:

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Aortic stenosis occurs through
a narrowing of the aortic valve,

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but what causes this
narrowing in the first place?

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Hi, I'm Dr. Preeti Parikh,
chief medical editor of Healthy Nation.

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There are three main
causes of aortic stenosis.

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Calcification of the heart valve,

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a defect in the way the valve was formed
at birth and scarring due to illness.

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Aortic stenosis caused by calcification
occurs when deposits of calcium,

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a mineral found in the blood,
build up around the valve.

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This build up can make
the valve brittle and thick.

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Narrowing the opening for
the blood to flow through.

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People who develop aortic stenosis due
to this calcium build up are generally

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in their sixties and seventies.

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Some people are predisposed to developing
aortic stenosis because they were

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born with a deformed aortic valve.

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For these people, the valve can be
narrowed due to unusual formation.

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Calcification can also happen more quickly
in those born with a deformed valve.

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Generally, people born with
a deformed valve have a family

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history of aortic stenosis, so

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it's important to find out if anyone in
your immediate family has this condition.

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Finally, scarring on the valve
can cause it to narrow as well.

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Scarring is not typical since it
is the result of rheumatic fever,

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a condition that is now rare in the US.

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These scars may also become calcified
quicker than healthy tissue.

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If you think you may be at risk,
talk with your doctor.

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Be sure to share your medical and
family history.

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Unfortunately, aortic stenosis
is difficult to prevent.

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But together, you and your doctor can
monitor any early signs specific to you.

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Thanks for watching.

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