Valve disease

There are four valves within the heart. These valves regulate blood flow, firstly by opening to allow blood to flow through or out of the heart; then closing to prevent any blood from flowing backwards. Two of these valves (mitral and tricuspid) separate the four chambers of the heart. The other two (aortic and pulmonary) can be found where the two blood vessels meet the heart. Unfortunately, problems with these valves can prevent them from opening or closing properly.

The aortic valve is on the left side of the heart between the left ventricle and the aorta. The valve prevents blood flowing back once it has been pumped out of the heart. The valve may become damaged or diseased, which prevents it from working properly.

Aortic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the valve, which prevents the valve from opening properly. This will reduce the flow of blood from the heart (into the aorta from the left ventricle).

Aortic stenosis is usually caused by:

• Rheumatic fever
• A fault present at birth; or
• A build-up of calcium around the valve.