Heart Valve Disorders

When the aortic valve becomes stenotic, the three leaflets become thickened, resulting in the leaflets having difficulty opening and closing. Once the leaflets become thickened, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which affects a person’s health and regular activities. Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis typically have fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and/or chest discomfort. Causes of severe aortic stenosis are age, calcium buildup, radiation therapy, heart infection and a failing aortic surgical valve. Learn more about treating aortic valve stenosis with TAVR.