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• Back to Diseases and Conditions
• Aortic Valve Disease
• Aortic Insufficiency
• Aortic Stenosis
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Risk Factors
  • Causes
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Physicians and Services
• Bicuspid Aortic Valve
• Endocarditis

Causes

Four Main Causes

There are four main causes of aortic stenosis.

Calcium Buildup on the Valve

As you age, your heart valves can see a buildup of calcium deposits, called aortic valve calcification. Calcium is a mineral found in the blood. As blood flows over the valve over years and decades, deposits can accumulate on the valve's flaps. These may or may not cause problems.

Congenital Heart Valve Defect

Having a congenital heart valve defect such as bicuspid aortic valve or one that was narrow from birth.

Rheumatic Fever

This once common illness stemming from strep throat can cause scar tissue to form on the aortic valve. The scar tissue can narrow the valve.

Radiation Treatments

Radiation treatments for cancer can damage the aortic valve.