Aortic Sclerosis

Question 1

Aortic … is a common cause of a soft ejection systolic murmur in elderly patients.

Answer 1

Aortic sclerosis is a common cause of a soft ejection systolic murmur in elderly patients.

Question 2

Aortic sclerosis

Answer 2

Aortic sclerosis is a common cause of a soft ejection systolic murmur in elderly patients.
It is considered to affect up to 50% of those > 80 years old. It refers to the presence of sclerosis without significant stenosis. Aortic sclerosis may progress to aortic stenosis and it is considered an indicator of increased cardiovascular risk.

Some of the features that help distinguish it from aortic stenosis include brief, quiet murmur, normal S2 and normal carotid pulse.