Aortic Stenosis Cause and Risk Factors
The most common cause of aortic stenosis is age-associated degeneration and calcification of the aortic valve, which often causes symptoms in elderly patients.
In the past, this type of degeneration of the valve was most common in patients who had rheumatic fever during childhood. Currently, rheumatic fever is rarely a cause of aortic valve degeneration.
About 1–2% of the population is born with only two valve leaflets and, for reasons not yet well understood, is at increased risk for developing aortic stenosis. These patients often develop symptoms between the ages of 40 and 60.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Jul 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Stenosis Cause and Risk Factors reprinted with permission from cardiologychannel.com
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