Aortic Valve Stenosis

Question 1

What is Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Answer 1

• The aortic valve is made up of three leaflets = aortic sinuses of Valsalva
• This allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta
• Aortic Valve stenosis are born with a narrow aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta

Question 2

How does Aortic Valve Stenosis Present?

Answer 2

• Fatigue
• SOB
• Dizziness + Fainting
• Worse on exertion
• If severe can progress to heart failure

Question 3

What are the Signs of Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Answer 3

• Ejection Systolic Murmur heard loudest in the aortic area (second intercostal space, right sternal border)
• Crescendo-decrescendo character
• Radiates to the carotids
• Ejection click before the murmur
• Palpable thrill during systole
• Slow rising pulse and narrow pulse pressure

Question 4

What is the managment for Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Answer 4

• Gold standard = ECHO
• Follow up: ECG, ECHO and exercise testing
• Percutaneous balloon aortic valvoplasty
• Surgical aortic valvotomy
• Valve replacement

Question 5

What are the complications for Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Answer 5

• Left Ventricular outflow tract obstruction
• Heart Failure
• Ventricular Arrhythmia
• Bacterial Endocarditis
• Sudden death, often on exertion