Aortic Valve Stenosis: Symptoms

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Symptoms

You probably will not have any symptoms if you have mild or moderate aortic valve stenosis, because your heart can make up for the stenosis. You may begin to notice symptoms if the pressure buildup in the heart becomes severe or if blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body is reduced. Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain (angina) or discomfort, often described as a heavy, tight feeling in your chest. You may also have a burning, choking, or constricting feeling that may spread to your arms, shoulders, or neck. You may have chest pain when you exercise or do something strenuous because your heart has to work harder.
• Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness, often after periods of activity.
• Signs of heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath with activity.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Palpitations (an uncomfortable feeling that your heart is beating rapidly or irregularly).

Last updated:	November 14, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC