Aortic stenosis

• What are some causes of aortic stenosis?

  Calcification

  Bicuspid aortic valve

  Rheumatic heart disease

  Congenital abnormalities
• What are some classical symptoms of aortic stenosis?

  Exertional dyspnoea

  Exertional angina

  Exertional syncope or presyncope
• What other condition may patients have if they have aortic stenosis?

  Heart failure
• Why would patients with aortic stenosis also present with heart failure?

  Left vent outflow obstruction
• What are some cardiac examination finding you may see in a patient with aortic stenosis?

  Systolic ejection murmur

  Murmur radiating to carotids - more prominent with sitting forwards
• What may a patient with severe aortic stenosis present with?

  Slow-rising and low volume carotid pulse

  Soft/absent S2

  Narrow pulse pressure

  Heaving apex beat or systolic thrill
• What are some investigations for aortic stenosis?

  ECG

  CXR

  Transthoracic echo
• What would an ECG show for aortic stenosis?

  Arrhythmias

  Signs of left vent strain
• What is the definitive treatment for aortic stenosis?

  Aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation
• What is used as a palliative measure for patients who may not be suitable for surgery for aortic stenosis?

  Percutaneous balloon valvotomy
• How is mild aortic stenosis managed?

  Conservatively e.g. treating heart failure
• What are some complications associated with aortic stenosis?

  Heart failure

  Sudden cardiac death

  Arrhythmias

  GI bleeding

  Endocarditis