Aortic Stenosis
Book AppointmentAortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aorta. Aorta valve is a one-way valve or the main artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Aortic stenosis prevents the valve from opening fully hence reducing the blood supply from the heart to the rest of the body. The heart is forced to work harder which can eventually lead to weakening of the heart muscles. Aortic stenosis can occur due to a variety of reasons. These include:
Congenital birth defect in which the child is born with one (unicuspid), two (bicuspid) or four (quadricuspid) leaflets (which are flaps of tissue) instead of the standard three leaflets. The exact cause of this birth deformity is unknown. Moreover your child may not experience any problems until adulthood but should get regular check-ups by a doctor to look for signs of narrowing
Calcification of the aortic valve in which calcium mineral, present in the blood, begins to accumulate in the valve. This is most common in adults and rarely found in children
Rheumatic fever can develop aortic stenosis in children, though rarely
Aortic stenosis can also occur spontaneously without any known reason or as part of a group of abnormalities that affect the left ventricle.
When to seek expert advise
See on one of our doctors at the Children's Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately if you notice your child is experiencing the above mentioned symptoms.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.
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