Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms Occur as the Valve Narrows
Aortic stenosis does not always produce symptoms, at least not right away.
The first sign is typically a heart murmur, which may start months or even years before other symptoms become evident. As the valve narrows, you may expect some or all of these symptoms to occur:
- Chest pain (angina) or tightness
- Fainting with exertion
- Extreme fatigue with exertion
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Neurological symptoms of a stroke or mini-stroke
- Swollen ankles or feet
In rare cases, aortic stenosis can cause sudden death without any prior symptoms.