Cardiology\ Valvular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
Besides mitral regurgitation, what is the most common cause of valvular disease?
A
Aortic stenosis (AS)
2
Q
What is a normal aortic valve area?
A
3-4 cm 2 in adults
3
Q
What is the aortic valve area in critical AS?
A
Less than 0.8 cm 2
4
Q
List the three most common causes of AS
A
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Degenerative changes associated with the aging process (primarily sclerosis)
- Rheumatic fever
5
Q
What are the symptoms of AS?
A
- Angina
- CHF symptoms
- syncope
6
Q
Describe common signs in AS
A
- Normal to low BP
- “parvus et tardus” (a weak and slow carotid pulse that often rises slowly and with a shudder)
- crescendo-decrescendo murmur at the right second intercostal space that typically radiates to the neck
7
Q
How should AS be treated if it is asymptomatic?
A
No intervention is indicated
8
Q
How should the disease be managed once symptoms begin?
A
Surgery
9
Q
A
10
Q
A
