Aortic Valve

Question 1

Pathophysiology of Aortic Stenosis?

Answer 1

In AS, gradual obstruction of the left ventricular outflow leads to an increased left ventricular afterload and left ventricular wall stress, elevated left ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures, decreased aortic pressure, and prolonged left ventricular ejection time. Over time, this results in compensatory concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) to maintain ejection fraction. In patients with chronic severe AS, this compensatory mechanism may become insufficient, leading to gradual dilation and thinning of the left ventricle, and result in a decrease in ejection fraction and in congestive heart failure.

Answer 2