Symptoms

Symptoms of aortic valve stenosis do not occur until the condition has progressed significantly. As the stenosis worsens, the heart has to work harder to push blood through the narrowed valve. This can strain the heart muscle and cause it to thicken and it may make the heart chamber enlarge. The main symptoms of aortic valve stenosis include shortness of breath, fluid retention with swelling of the feet and ankles, fatigue, angina and life-threatening arrhythmia. When symptoms occur as a result of aortic stenosis the narrowing is severe, and valve replacement surgery is necessary.