Cardiovascular

Aortic Stenosis

Progressive narrowing of the aortic valve creates left-ventricular pressure overload; symptomatic severe disease needs specialist valve-team assessment for intervention.

Definition

Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve that obstructs LV outflow. Severe disease is defined by integrated echocardiography; velocity above 4 m/s, mean gradient above 40 mmHg and valve area below 1.0 cm² are common severe ranges, but discordant low-flow states need specialist interpretation.

First principles

The valve creates pressure overload

A narrowed aortic valve obstructs left-ventricular outflow. The ventricle initially compensates with concentric hypertrophy, then develops diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis and eventually systolic failure.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

The rest of this extended textbook page is part of full access. Create a free account to read the sample topics in full and try sample questions, then upgrade to unlock every high-yield and extended page, plus the complete question bank.

This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.