Aortic stenosis

Question 1

What is aortic stenosis?

Answer 1

Aortic valve becomes calcified (deposition of calcium causing stiffening) and narrowed (stenosed) - gradually over many years

Question 2

What physiological abnormalities as a result of aortic stenosis?

Answer 2

The left ventricle has to generate more force to eject blood through

Question 3

What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis?

Answer 3

Angina
Breathlessness
Light-headedness with exercise

Question 4

Why are symptoms worse with exercise such as walking ?

Answer 4

Increased o2 requirements so increased heart rate and greater impact of obstruction to flow from heart

Question 5

What sort of heart murmur do patients with aortic stenosis have?

Answer 5

Ejection systolic….
HARSH AND LOUD
sounds like a rugby player clearing their throat.

Question 6

What other clinical signs?

Answer 6

Reduced pulse pressure

Forceful apex beat

Question 7

What investigations are carried out?

Answer 7

ECG (electrocardiogram)- shows more muscular left ventricle

Echocardiogram- (ultrasound scan of the heart)

coronary angiogram

Question 8

Treatment?

Answer 8

Surgery - aortic valve replacement

TAVI - transcutaneous aortic valve replacement