What causes Aortic Stenosis?

The main causes of aortic stenosis include:

• A birth defect of the aortic valve, which normally has three cusps:
  • An aortic valve that has only one cusp or is otherwise stenotic from birth
  • A bicuspid (two-part) aortic valve with progressive wear and tear
• Progressive calcification of the aortic valve with age (most common in elderly)
• Rarely, scarring of the aortic valve caused by rheumatic fever