Aortic Stenosis

Blood flow from the heart is reduced if the aortic valve narrows, stiffens or does not open completely. This aortic stenosis makes the heart pump harder to push blood through the affected valve. Aortic valve stenosis may cause chest pains, breathlessness or weakness. There may be no symptoms until the later stages of disease. Stenosis also may occur in the mitral, pulmonary or tricuspid heart valves.

Cardiovascular patients at Abington Memorial Hospital benefit from advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment. When indicated, valve surgery may be needed for the narrowing of the aortic valve or other stenotic condition. Valve repair or replacement will restore healthy blood flow. Aortic valve bypass is available for patients whose previous cardiac surgeries may make them high-risk for valve surgery. At the Pilla Heart Center, every effort is made to conduct surgery using minimally invasive procedures. 

Read an aortic valve stenosis patient’s story to learn about finding answers to important questions before surgery.

For expertise on diagnosing and treating aortic valve stenosis, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center and Porter Institute for Valvular Heart Disease.