Is aortic stenosis a fatal condition?

Only if ignored!: Infants with aortic valve stenosis go to the pediatric cath lab for balloon dilation of the valve. The balloons are small, shaped like a hotdog, are positioned across the stenotic valve then quickly inflated and deflated to open the valve. A second procedure we do for kids is called the "ross procedure" where a patient's pulmonary valve is moved to the aortic and a graft replaces the pulm valve.

If untreated: Eventually if it goes untreated. Once patients become symptomatic from severe aortic stenosis (chest pain, shortness of breath, passing out) then the 2 year survival is only about 50%. Therefore patients with aortic stenosis should see their cardiologist regularly.