Clinical Examination Heart Practical (Thurs 26th)

Question 1

Name the 4 heart valves

Answer 1

Right atria-ventricular valve: tricuspid
LAV: bicuspid
Right semilunar valve: pulmonary valve
Left semilunar valve: aortic valve

Question 2

Common Valve Diseases

Answer 2

Aortic stenosis: due to age related calcification, the aortic valve is smaller than normal, obstructing blood flow. Pressure in the left ventricle increases, leading to heart failure.

Mitral Stenosis: the bicuspid valve opening is narrow, so pressure in left atrium increases. m. As there is no valve between the left atrium and the pulmonary veins,
this also leads to an increase in the blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to
pulmonary hypertension with symptoms such as shortness of breath on exertion. A sign of
mitral stenosis which may be picked up on examination is malar flush (red cheeks), due to
poor perfusion of the facial skin and local release of vasodilatory substances. This condition
is commonly discovered in pregnant women, as the demands on the cardiovascular system
increase and they become short of breath.