aortic stenosis
Also written as: AS — aortic stenosis
Narrowing of the aortic valve opening that obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
Full Definition
Aortic stenosis is a valvular heart disease characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which impedes blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during systole. The condition can be congenital (bicuspid valve) or acquired (degenerative calcific stenosis, rheumatic heart disease). As stenosis progresses, the left ventricle must generate higher pressures to maintain cardiac output, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventually heart failure. Symptoms typically include chest pain, dyspnea on exertion, and syncope. Severity is graded by echocardiographic measurements including aortic valve area, peak velocity, and mean gradient. Severe aortic stenosis requires valve replacement, either surgical or transcatheter (TAVR).
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as AS; always specify severity (mild, moderate, severe) when documented.
In Context
- "Severe aortic stenosis was diagnosed with an aortic valve area of 0.8 cm² and mean gradient of 45 mmHg." — echocardiography report
- "The patient was referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement due to symptomatic severe aortic stenosis." — cardiothoracic surgery consultation