Epidemiology


Etiology

  • Aortic valve sclerosis: calcification and fibrosis of aortic valve leaflets
    • Most common cause of aortic stenosis
    • Occurs at an increasing rate as patients age (prevalence is 35% in those aged 75–85 years)
    • Similar pathophysiology to atherosclerosis

Pathophysiology


Clinical features

  • Signs and symptoms
    • Dyspnea (typically exertional)
    • Angina pectoris
      • Due to increased LV oxygen demand and reduced coronary flow reserve
        • Impaired ventricular filling during diastole results in a reduced stroke volume. Compensatory tachycardia maintains cardiac output but tachycardia is associated with a shortened diastole, thereby reducing the coronary filling time. The hypertrophic LV also compresses the coronary arteries, further reducing the coronary reserve.
    • Dizziness and syncope
  • Auscultation
    • Harsh crescendo-decrescendo (diamond-shaped), late systolic ejection murmur that radiates bilaterally to the carotids
      • Best heard in the 2nd right intercostal space
      • Handgrip decreases the intensity of the murmur.
      • Valsalva and standing from squatting decreases or does not change the intensity of the murmur (in contrast to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
    • Soft S2
      • A soft S2 results from a delay in the aortic component (A2) and softer closing of the aortic valve due to reduced mobility.
    • S4 is best heard at the apex.
      • Because of decreased compliance of the LV
    • Early systolic ejection click
      • Results from the abrupt stop of the valve leaflets upon opening

Diagnostics


Treatment