*Information supplied by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Source

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis means that the aortic heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked.  This condition is either acquired later on in life or is a congenital condition, and tends to happen more often in males rather than with females

Aortic stenosis occurs when either the valve restricts blood flow, or there are an abnormal amount of valve leaflets.

The severity of the stenosis varies between cases depending on how much the valve interrupts the blood flow. Over a period of time the severity of the stenosis.

Aortic stenosis causes

Aortic stenosis can be present at birth, it occurs when the valve didn’t form properly while in the womb. It is sometimes caused due to a genetic problem, though usually the cause is unknown. If aortic stenosis is developed later in child’s life, then this may be due to an untreated strep infection.

Aortic stenosis symptoms

More severe aortic stenosis may cause:

  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Bluish discoloration around the lips or skin indicating low oxygen levels (cyanosis)
  • Poor feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially with physical activity
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Irregular heartbeats or feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
  • Chest pain or pressure

How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?

A pediatrician may be able to detect a heart murmur with a stethoscope. Once a murmur is detected then additional tests need to be performed to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:

  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Echocardiogram (Echo)
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Exercise testing
  • Pulse oximetry