Aortic Stenosis Child

Causes

The aortic valve is made up of 3 cusps that open and close together. In babies, AS is caused by a birth defect that may result in:

• 1 cusp that cannot open as fully as 3 cusps
• 2 cusps that are damaged
• Cusps that are partly closed or do not open the right way due to thickness

The valve can also be damaged by infection.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise a child's risk of AS are:

• Having other family members who have congenital valvular heart diseases
• Rheumatic fever—which can happen after a strep infection
• Bacterial endocarditis—infection of the heart

Symptoms

Mild AS may not cause any problems. More severe AS may cause:

• Extreme lack of energy after activity
• Lightheadedness with activity
• Fainting with activity
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, squeezing, pressure, or tightness of the chest, usually with activity

Rarely, AS may cause heart rhythm problems and sudden death.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the chest and heart.

Pictures may be taken to view the heart and structures around it. This can be done with:

• Chest x-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Rarely, cardiac catheterization

Treatment

Mild AS will be monitored for any changes or problems. Treatment may not be needed right away.

Choices for moderate to severe AS are:

• Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding strenuous activities
• Medication to lower stress on the heart and prevent heart failure

Some children may need surgery. Choices are:

• Balloon valvuloplasty to open the aortic valve or make it bigger
• Aortic valve replacement to replace a defective heart valve

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.