Aortic Stenosis Flashcards
What is aortic valve stenosis?
A narrow aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.
What does the severity of aortic stenosis determine?
The symptoms
How can mild aortic stenosis present?
Asymptomatically
How is mild asymptomatic aortic stenosis diagnosed?
As an incidental murmur during a routine examination.
How can more severe aortic stenosis present?
- Fatigue
- Dyspnoea
- Dizziness
- Syncope
When would symptoms be more pronounced with aortic stenosis?
On exertion- outflow from the left ventricle can’t keep up with demand.
What is a key examination finding of aortic stenosis?
Ejection systolic murmur, that radiates to the carotid
Where is the ejection systolic murmur heard loudest?
At the aortic area
Where does the ejection systolic murmur radiate?
To the carotid
What type of character does the ejection systolic murmur have?
Crescendo-decrescendo character
What other signs can present with aortic stenosis?
- Ejection click just before the murmur
- Palpable thrill during systole
- Slow rising pulse and narrow pulse pressure
When would you hear an ejection click in aortic stenosis?
Before the murmur
When would you feel a palpable thrill in aortic stenosis?
During systole
What is the gold standard investigation for aortic stenosis?
Echocardiogram
What type of condition is aortic stenosis?
Progressive- gets worse over time
