Aortic stenosis is a heart defect that may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life. If the problem is congenital, then the aortic valve did not properly develop during the first two months of pregnancy.

The aortic valve is found between the left ventricle and the aorta. It has three flaps that function like a one-way door. They allow blood to flow forward into the aorta, but not backward into the left ventricle. In aortic stenosis, the valve is smaller than it should be. As a result, the left ventricle has to work harder to try to move blood. Eventually, the left ventricle is no longer able to handle the extra workload, and it fails to pump blood to the body efficiently.

In children, aortic stenosis can include a valve that:

• Has only one or two flaps instead of three
• Has flaps that are partially connected
• Has thick flaps that do not open all the way
• Becomes damaged by rheumatic fever or bacterial endocarditis

Outstanding outcomes: If your child needs surgery, you’ll have access to world-class heart surgeons and interventional cardiologists. The Herma Heart Institute has some of the best results for even the most complex types of heart disease.

Care close to home: The Herma Heart Institute has 10 clinic locations. These clinics can be found in Wisconsin and upper Michigan.

Lifelong support: We provide care to our patients in all ages and stages of life — from before birth through adulthood. Your fetal heart doctor can care for your child through their childhood. As they age, they can transition into our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program

Commitment to innovation: Our team is leading the way in congenital heart disease research. We are working to discover breakthrough treatments and procedures to improve outcomes.

Support beyond the clinic: We know that our heart families need support that extends beyond the clinic. That’s why we invest in programs that help children thrive and get them back to being kids sooner:

• Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Program
• Educational Achievement Partnership Program

For some families, it can be helpful to come prepared with a plan before your appointment with a cardiologist. Here are things to consider documenting and having ready for your appointment:

• Symptoms your child is experiencing: Sharing when these symptoms appeared and how frequently they occur is helpful to the medical team. Don’t be afraid to share symptoms that seem unrelated — congenital heart disease can affect other parts of the body.
• Medications: This should also include any supplements or vitamins your child takes.
• Related history: This includes family medical history and recent changes in your family’s life.
• Your questions: This will help ensure you don’t forget to ask all your questions.
  It is okay to ask the same question several times if you are unclear. Our team is here to help you understand the big picture and make sure you walk away with your questions answered.

Aortic stenosis may be mild or serious. It is classified by how much blood flow is blocked. A child with severe aortic stenosis will be very sick. They will have major symptoms noted early in life.

Most children who have had an aortic stenosis surgical repair will live healthy lives. Activity levels, appetite and growth should eventually return to normal.

A child with mild aortic stenosis may have few symptoms. They may not even have any until later in adulthood. The degree of obstruction can become worse with time. Relatively few children have symptoms as a baby. But the rate of problems increases sharply in adulthood.

Your child will always need to be monitored by a cardiologist in case new problems develop. Once they reach adulthood, they should seek out a program that specializes in adult congenital heart disease. The Herma Heart Institute’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is the largest in the state.

Consult your child's physician regarding the specific outlook for your child.