What causes stenosis of heart valves?

In most elderly adults, aortic stenosis is caused by a build-up of calcium (a mineral found in your blood) on the valve leaflets. Over time, this causes the leaflets to become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close.

What can occur due to stenotic valves?

Mitral valve stenosis — sometimes called mitral stenosis — is a narrowing of the heart’s mitral valve. This abnormal valve doesn’t open properly, blocking blood flow into the main pumping chamber of your heart (left ventricle). Mitral valve stenosis can make you tired and short of breath, among other problems.

What does it mean when a valve is stenotic?

A narrowed or stenotic valve requires the heart to pump harder, which can strain the heart and reduce blood flow to the body. A regurgitant (incompetent, insufficient, or leaky) valve does not close completely, letting blood move backward through the valve.

Can aortic stenosis cause low blood pressure?

Fainting (syncope) related to aortic stenosis is usually associated with exertion or excitement. These conditions cause relaxation of the body’s blood vessels (vasodilation), lowering blood pressure. In aortic stenosis, the heart is unable to increase output to compensate for the drop in blood pressure.

What foods to avoid if you have aortic stenosis?

Eating a heart-healthy diet. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, fish, and whole grains. Avoid saturated and trans fat, and excess salt and sugar.

What can valve disorders ultimately lead to?

Symptoms of heart valve disease If left untreated, heart valve disease ultimately results in heart failure. Symptoms of heart valve disease can include: Shortness of breath. Severe swelling.

What is the life expectancy of a person with aortic stenosis?

Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is associated with a poor prognosis, with most patients dying 2–3 years after diagnosis.

How fast does stenosis progress?

According to The Cleveland Clinic, catheterization and echocardiographic studies suggest that, on average, the valve area declines 0.1-0.3 square centimeters per year. The Cleveland Clinic also states that the systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve can increase by as much as 10-15 mm Hg per year.

What causes aortic valve stenosis in the left ventricle?

Eventually the extra work of the heart can weaken the left ventricle and your heart overall, and it can ultimately lead to heart failure and other problems. Aortic valve stenosis can occur due to many causes, including: Congenital heart defect. The aortic valve consists of three tightly fitting, triangular-shaped flaps of tissue called cusps.

What causes a narrowing of the pulmonary valve?

Pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary stenosis In pulmonary stenosis, the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery is obstructed by narrowing at the pulmonary valve.

When does a bicuspid aortic valve cause stenosis?

Although some people have AS as a result of a congenital heart defect called a bicuspid aortic valve, this condition more commonly develops during aging as calcium or scarring damages the valve and restricts the amount of blood flowing through the valve. Does aortic stenosis always produce symptoms? No, not always.

What are the risk factors for mitral valve stenosis?

Risk factors for mitral valve stenosis include: Like other heart valve problems, mitral valve stenosis can strain your heart and decrease blood flow. Untreated, mitral valve stenosis can lead to complications such as: Pulmonary hypertension.