The evaluation of aortic stenosis begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with aortic stenosis may include:

• Heart murmur

Advanced cases of aortic stenosis may reveal signs of congestive heart failure, such as:

• Leg swelling
• Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

Tests are required to make the diagnosis of aortic stenosis.

Tests for aortic stenosis may include:

• C-reactive protein
• Cholesterol level
• Triglyceride level

Additional tests for aortic stenosis may include:

• Chest x-ray:
• Normal chest x-ray
• Heart failure
• EKG
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram

Less commonly performed tests for aortic stenosis

• MRI scan of the heart:
• Shows detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
• Detects structural abnormalities of the heart
• SPECT scanning of the heart:
• Detects blood flow abnormalities to heart muscle
• Thallium heart scan
• Coronary artery CT scanning:
• Checks for possible obstructions in the coronary arteries
• Can show a build-up of calcium in a coronary artery
• MUGA scan