Cardiology_Valvular Disease

Question 1

What is a normal aortic valve area?

Answer 1

• Between 3 and 4 cm 2 in adults

Question 2

What is the aortic valve area in critical aortic stenosis (AS)?

Answer 2

<0.8 cm ²

Question 3

List the three most common causes of AS.

Answer 3

1. Bicuspid aortic valve
2. Degenerative changes associated with the aging process (primarily sclerosis)
3. Rheumatic fever

Question 4

What are the symptoms of AS?

Answer 4

• Angina
• congestive heart failure symptoms
• syncope

Question 5

Describe the typical signs of AS.

Answer 5

• 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 radiates to the neck

Question 6

How should AS be treated if it is asymptomatic?

Answer 6

• No intervention is indicated.

Question 7

How should AS be managed once symptomatic?

Answer 7

• Surgery