Tests to Diagnose Aortic Stenosis

Diagnosing aortic stenosis and heart valve disease may include the following tests in addition to a physical exam:

Auscultation

Your cardiologist will use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of your heart which may detect a murmur.

Echocardiography

This is also known as an ultrasound; it uses sound waves to produce an image of your heart, which helps your doctor closely examine the aortic valve.

Cardiac catheterization (angiography)

In this test, a dye is injected into your heart through your arm or groin
to make your heart more visible on an X-ray.

Chest X-ray

An X-ray of your chest allows your doctor to check the size and shape of your heart. The X-ray image can also reveal calcium deposits on the aortic valve. 

Electrocardiography (also EKG)

Your cardiologist will use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of your heart which may detect a murmur.