Treatment Overview

Treatment for aortic valve stenosis usually depends on whether you have symptoms.

If you have symptoms, surgery to replace the aortic valve is usually required. If you don't have your valve replaced after you start having symptoms, you may die suddenly or develop heart failure. Valve replacement can help you have a more normal life span.

View a slideshow on aortic valve replacement surgery. For more information, see Surgery.

Aortic Valve Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?

Balloon valvuloplasty is a less invasive procedure that might be done for some children, teens, or young adults in their 20s, or for people for whom valve surgery is too great a risk. For more information, see Surgery.

You may need medicine to prevent or treat a heart infection or to help manage heart failure, which is the most common complication of aortic valve stenosis. For more information, see Medications.

End-of-life care

People who have symptoms of aortic valve stenosis have a high risk of sudden death. On average, people may die within 2 to 3 years if they don't have valve replacement surgery.¹ So it is important to consider end-of-life issues.

If you choose not to have surgery, your doctor will prescribe medicines to make you comfortable. As you get sicker, you may be unable to make decisions about your medical care. You may want to consider the type of care you wish to receive in case you are unable to make your wishes known. For more information, see the topic Care at the End of Life.