A physical exam and review of your
medical history are important first steps in diagnosing
aortic valve stenosis. If you have stenosis but no
symptoms, your doctor will likely find the condition during a routine exam or a
checkup for another health problem. A distinctive heart murmur is usually the
first clue that leads a doctor to suspect aortic valve stenosis.
During the physical exam, the doctor will:
Take your blood pressure. Low blood pressure may
mean that not enough blood is getting through the narrowed aortic valve.
Check your pulse. A weak pulse may mean that there is
narrowing of the heart valve.
Listen to your heart and lungs for abnormal sounds. A soft whooshing or humming sound (murmur) heard through a
stethoscope is an important finding that often points to heart valve disease.
Abnormal sounds in the lungs can mean fluid buildup in the lungs that is
caused by heart valve disease.
It may show calcium buildup in the valve, an enlarged left
ventricle, or fluid buildup if you have developed heart failure. In some cases,
aorta may be enlarged just beyond the aortic
This information is produced and provided by the National
Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National
Institute via the Internet web site at http://
.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
March 12, 2014
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this