Dallas
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
Plano
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
Prosper
972-331-9700
Fax: 972-331-9833
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
Children's Health℠ is the second largest pediatric heart center in the state, which makes us leading experts in caring for children with aortic stenosis (a·or·tic ste·no·sis) and other heart issues. Our world-class heart specialists use the latest techniques and treatment options to address aortic stenosis. We are here to provide outstanding, patient-focused care to help your child have the best opportunity for a healthy, full life.
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
972-331-9700
Fax: 972-331-9833
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
Pediatric aortic stenosis is a heart condition that happens when blood flow is blocked because the aortic valve is too small or narrow. The aortic valve is made of three tiny flaps of skin (leaflets) that open and close with each heartbeat, controlling blood flow like a one-way street.
With aortic stenosis, the flaps stick together or become too thick, which narrows the valve and prevents it from opening and closing the right way. This causes the heart to work harder, weakening it over time.
The signs and symptoms of aortic stenosis will differ depending on the severity or level of blockage. In mild to moderate cases, children will usually have a heart murmur and no other signs.
In severe cases, symptoms may include:
Diagnosing pediatric aortic stenosis diagnosis usually starts with doctors hearing a heart murmur during a routine exam. A heart murmur is a type of sound the heart makes when there is a valve problem or blood flow is being blocked. This can be detected while the baby is still in the womb with a routine prenatal ultrasound and in older children during a pediatric wellness exam with a stethoscope.
If your physician hears a heart murmur, they may refer you to us for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Echocardiogram - At Children’s Health, the gold standard for diagnosing aortic stenosis in unborn babies and older children is an echocardiogram, or “echo”. This is an ultrasound imaging test that measures the aortic valve and heart, helping us see how a child’s heart looks and works.
It can be performed as early as 16 weeks into pregnancy. This means aortic stenosis can be identified before a baby is born, which allows us to closely monitor the condition and determine if treatment is necessary at birth.
Aortic stenosis happens when the aortic valve doesn’t develop properly during pregnancy. This irregularity can be genetic but most of the time it develops by chance, for no known reason.
Treatment for aortic stenosis will depend on:
In mild cases, treatment isn’t usually necessary. But the condition can get worse over time, which means your child might require treatment later in life. Our pediatric cardiologists will work with your child’s pediatrician to watch their condition closely for any changes that may require treatment.
Moderate to severe cases almost always require treatment to repair the aortic valve. At Children’s Health, our skilled cardiologists are experts in performing treatments for aortic stenosis.
After surgery, we will discuss how you can help your child recover at home. We’ll provide detailed post-operation instructions that include information about medications and activity restrictions.
The outlook for children with aortic stenosis is typically very good and those who have surgery to repair their valve usually live a healthy, active life.