Facts about Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disease that involves the narrowing of the aortic valve. It becomes more common with age and if left untreated, can lead to significantly decreased quality of life, heart failure, and even death.

Introduction

This quiz tests your knowledge of the heart, as well as aortic stenosis basics like risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. It teaches you what to look for, how the disease develops, when to seek treatment, and more. You can also learn more about the disease by visiting the Alliance's aortic stenosis health corner.

Questions

How many valves does the heart have?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

True or False? The valves of the heart open two ways to allow blood that needs oxygen to enter and oxygenated blood to leave.

A. True
B. False

Aortic stenosis is a disease that affects:

A. The arteries
B. The veins
C. The lungs
D. The heart

Individuals with aortic stenosis almost always need treatment because:

A. The aortic valve stops closing properly and allows blood back into the heart
B. The ineffective valve may cause the heart to stop pumping
C. The aortic valve narrows, making it harder for the heart to pump blood
D. A & C

Some commonly used terms for aortic stenosis include:

A. Sticky valve
B. Narrowing of the aorta
C. Clogged artery
D. Aortic valve stenosis
E. A, B, and D

True or False? Aortic stenosis is usually diagnosed in early adulthood and becomes less common with age.

A. True
B. False

Which of the following is not a risk factor for aortic stenosis:

A. Older age
B. Rheumatic fever
C. A previous heart attack
D. Bicuspid valve
E. High blood pressure

True or False? The most common cause of aortic stenosis is the build-up of calcium on the valve over time.

A. True
B. False

Which of the following are symptoms of aortic stenosis (check all that apply):

A. Pain or discomfort in the chest
B. Feeling faint
C. Weakness
D. Fatigue
E. Dizziness
F. Irregular heartbeat
G. Feeling lightheaded

True or False? If you don't have any symptoms of aortic stenosis you have no need to worry.

A. True
B. False

True or False? Sometimes the only sign or symptom of aortic stenosis is a heart murmur which can be detected by your doctor.

A. True
B. False

True or False? Shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, and fainting are all a normal part of aging and should not be cause for concern.

A. True
B. False

True or False? The only way to diagnose aortic stenosis is by doing an EKG.

A. True
B. False

True or False? Your health care professional will always look and listen for symptoms of aortic stenosis so you don't need to speak up if you think you are experiencing symptoms.

A. True
B. False

True or False? Aortic stenosis can only be detected by a cardiologist.

A. True
B. False

If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to:

A. Symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath
B. Decreased quality of life
C. Heart failure
D. Death
E. A & B
F. All of the above

True or False? Medications can successfully treat aortic stenosis and reverse the damage of the disease.

A. True
B. False

True or False? While aortic valve replacement surgery is a great option for some patients, older patients may not be good candidates because of their age.

A. True
B. False