Aortic Valve Disease

Trinity Health Michigan provides expert treatment for cardiovascular diseases across West Michigan, including aortic valve disease. We offer minimally invasive treatments for this condition.

What is Aortic Valve Disease?

The aortic valve is one of four valves which must open and close with each heart beat to keep blood moving in one direction through the heart. When the aortic valve opens, it allows blood to leave the heart and enter the aorta on its way to the rest of the body.

The aortic valve can malfunction in two ways:

• Stenosis: A buildup of scar tissue and calcium can develop which prevents the valve from opening adequately. When this occurs, it prevents blood from leaving the heart normally. Aortic stenosis is a common problem associated with increasing age, scarring from previous infections or congenitally malformed valve leaflets. 
• Aortic Regurgitation: Recently pumped blood flows backward from the aorta into the heart, forcing the heart to re-pump the same blood over again. When aortic regurgitation occurs, it puts excessive strain on the heart. This problem can occur along with aortic stenosis and is caused by many of the same disease processes.

These valvular diseases can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, unusual tiredness and fluid build-up in the lungs and legs. If left untreated, these valvular diseases can result in heart failure, permanent heart damage, a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of early death.