aortic stenosis

a narrowing of the opening of the aortic VALVE , resulting in the obstruction of BLOOD flow from the left VENTRICLE to the AORTA . A common cause of this is calcium deposits formed on the valve, associated with ATHEROMA , or damage may have been caused by previous RHEUMATIC FEVER . The condition may also arise CONGENITALLY . The effect is that the left ventricle muscle has to work harder in order to try to maintain the blood flow and becomes thicker as a result. The symptoms of aortic stenosis include ANGINA pectoris and breathlessness, and the condition is treated surgically by valve replacement.