Aortic Stenosis

Question 1

Define aortic stenosis

Answer 1

Narrowing of aorta leading to reduced LV outflow and fluid overload in LV

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of aortic stenosis?

Answer 2

• Calcification/degeneration of valve in the elderly
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Calcification of congenital bicuspid valve
• William’s syndrome

Question 3

What are the symptoms of aortic stenosis?

Answer 3

• asymptomatic
• Syncope
• Angina
• Dyspnoea
• SOB
• heart failure

Question 4

What are the signs of aortic stenosis?

Answer 4

• narrow pulse pressure
• anacrotic (slow rising) pulse
• palpable thrill at aortic area
• hard ejection systolic murmur radiating to carotids
• soft S2

Question 5

What are the investigations for aortic stenosis?

Answer 5

• transthoracic echo - elevated aortic pressure gradient; measurement of valve area and left ventricular ejection function
• ECG - may demonstrate left ventricular hypertrophy and absent Q waves, AV block, hemiblock, or bundle branch block, deep s V1 and 2, tall R V5 and 6