Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrowed, making it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. It is the most common valvular heart disease in older adults, usually caused by age-related calcification of the valve leaflets. Echocardiography is the primary tool for diagnosing and grading the severity of aortic stenosis by measuring the valve area, the velocity of blood flow across the valve, and the pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta. Severe aortic stenosis can cause symptoms like chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath, and may require valve replacement.
Sonography Term