Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve. The aortic valve is a flap-like opening located between the left side of the heart and the aorta. The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from the heart.

What is going on in the body?

The heart is divided into two halves, right and left. Each side has a pumping chamber, called a ventricle. The left ventricle receives blood from the lungs. During a heartbeat, the left heart chamber squeezes, generating enough pressure to open the aortic valve. Blood from the left side is then pumped into the aorta and out into the body. When aortic stenosis has occurred, the opening of the valve is narrower than normal. This reduces the amount of blood flow to the body.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The causes of aortic stenosis include: