Kuangazia Kuzeeka: Kukacha kwa Tishu za Mkole

Sometimes calcium accumulates on the aortic valve, and the valve thickens. But the thickening does not interfere with blood flow through the valve. This condition is called aortic sclerosis. More than 1 out of 4 people older than 65 years have aortic sclerosis, which can progress to aortic stenosis.

Aortic sclerosis does not cause symptoms. It may cause a soft heart murmur (abnormal heart sound), heard by a doctor through a stethoscope. Aortic sclerosis may not make a person feel any different, but it increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death. Consequently, identifying and eliminating or controlling risk factors for atherosclerosis are important for people with aortic sclerosis. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and diabetes.