AORTIC STENOSIS

 

1. What is it?
A narrowing of the valve or path leading out of main pumping chamber of the heart.

2. Why did it happen?
Cause usually unknown. Generally not inherited from parents and definitely not fault of parents.

3. What does it do to the heart?
Depending on how narrow, it makes the main pumping chamber of the heart work harder to push blood to the body.

4. How does it affect the child?
If severe, child can tire easily, have fainting spells, or have chest pain with exercise. If mild, no effect.

5. Can it be fixed?
If narrowing is severe, it should be opened. Mild narrowing does not need surgery. Valve replacement may be needed in later years for some parents.

6. What can the child do ?
If severe, needs restriction from hard exercise or heavy work. If mild, play and work normally.

7. What should the parents do?
Follow doctor's advice on:
(1) giving medicines
(2) return visits to doctor
(3) special tests
(4) extreme care with dental procedures. Tell the dentist about the problem BEFORE he fixes child's teeth to avoid infection in the heart

This information is general. Only your doctor can give you precise details and instructions.

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Children's Heart Center-American University of Beirut Medical Center-Pediatric Department
Riad El solh Beirut 1107 2020 / P.O.Box 11-0236 Lebanon
Phone: +961 1 350000 EXT 5748