Glossary of Terms

Stenosis
Stenosis means "narrowing". Mitral stenosis means narrowing of the mitral valve, and aortic stenosis means narrowing of the aortic valve. A stenotic valve results in a build up of pressure. Valve stenosis is caused by:

• a congenital birth defect
• progressive wear and tear or hardening of a valve from old age
• scarring from disease, including rheumatic fever as a child or young adult
• infection of a valve or heart muscle

Related link: Heart Valve Surgery