A method of implanting a prosthetic heart valve includes advancing the prosthetic heart valve in a radially-contracted configuration into an annulus of a native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes a self-expanding body and a plurality of leaflets fastened to the body. The body of the prosthetic heart valve is formed with an annulus anchoring section, a sinus section, and an outflow section. During implantation, the prosthetic heart valve is allowed to self-expand such that the annulus anchoring section contacts the annulus of the native aortic valve and the outflow section contacts a native ascending aorta. The outflow section is less rigid than the annulus anchoring section for conforming to the native ascending aorta. The outflow section flares outwardly from the sinus section. The sinus section preferably includes three sinus apertures.
