Lifestyle

6 Signs of Aortic Stenosis Most People Blame on Slowing Down

By Mike Harper · November 7, 2026

Getting winded on the stairs can feel like being out of shape. Running out of energy by mid-afternoon can feel like age. A dizzy moment after carrying groceries can feel like skipping lunch. For some older adults, they can point to aortic stenosis, a narrowing of one of the heart’s main valves.

MedlinePlus explains that blood leaves the heart through the aortic valve on its way into the aorta, the main artery that feeds the rest of the body. In aortic stenosis, that valve does not open fully, so less blood flows out of the heart. MedlinePlus says the most common cause is a buildup of calcium deposits that narrow the valve, and that the problem mostly affects older people. It occurs in about 2% of people over 65, and more often in men than in women.

The American Heart Association calls aortic stenosis one of the most common and serious valve problems. The AHA says it often begins after age 60 but may not cause symptoms until later in life, often in the 70s or 80s.

That slow start is part of the problem. MedlinePlus says most people do not develop symptoms until the condition is advanced. Some people learn about it first when a provider hears a heart murmur during a routine exam and orders tests.

These six signs come from the MedlinePlus symptom list. The AHA lists several of the same ones.

Chest discomfort, especially with activity. MedlinePlus says the pain may get worse with activity and may reach into the arm, neck, or jaw. The chest may also feel tight or squeezed. New chest pain of any kind deserves a call, and sudden or severe chest pain is a reason to call 911.

Trouble breathing when you exercise. MedlinePlus lists breathing problems with exercise. The AHA describes trouble breathing or feeling short of breath, and it also mentions difficulty walking short distances.

Getting tired easily. MedlinePlus lists becoming easily tired. The AHA lists fatigue and a drop in activity level or in the ability to do normal daily activities. It says that if you or someone close to you notices unusual fatigue or a decline in everyday activity, talk with a healthcare professional.

Feeling your heartbeat. MedlinePlus lists palpitations, the sense of feeling your own heart beat. The AHA describes a rapid, fluttering heartbeat.

Fainting, weakness, or dizziness with activity. MedlinePlus groups these together. The AHA lists feeling dizzy or light-headed, and fainting.

A cough, sometimes with blood. MedlinePlus includes a cough, possibly bloody, among the symptoms. MedlinePlus explains that as pressure rises, blood may back up into the lungs.

How is it found? MedlinePlus says a murmur or other abnormal heart sound is almost always heard through a stethoscope, and that aortic stenosis is most often diagnosed and then monitored with an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. Treatment depends on how severe it is. MedlinePlus says regular checkups may be all that is needed when symptoms are not severe, and that surgery to repair or replace the valve is often done for adults who develop symptoms.

MedlinePlus advises contacting your provider if you have symptoms of aortic stenosis. If you have already been diagnosed, contact your provider right away if your symptoms get worse or new ones show up. The AHA offers a printable symptom tracker you can fill in and bring to your next appointment. Only a clinician can sort out what is going on after an exam and the tests they order.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about new or changing symptoms, and call 911 for sudden chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath. This article was produced with the assistance of AI and fact-checked against the sources cited by LightWave Reports.