Aortic Valve Stenosis

You probably won't 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. You may have symptoms when you exercise or do something strenuous, because your heart has to work harder.

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or pressure (Reference angina Opens New Window), 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.
• Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
• Signs of Reference heart failure Opens New Window, such as fatigue and shortness of breath with activity.
• Reference Palpitations Opens New Window (an uncomfortable feeling that your heart is beating rapidly or irregularly).

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