Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

aortic stenosis

Narrowing of the aortic valve opening that restricts 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 into the aorta during systole. The condition can be congenital, rheumatic, or degenerative (most common in elderly patients). Severity is graded based on valve area, mean pressure gradient, and peak velocity measurements obtained through echocardiography. Severe aortic stenosis typically requires surgical intervention via aortic valve replacement (AVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Symptoms include chest pain, syncope, and heart failure, often referred to as the classic triad.

In Context

"The patient presented with severe aortic stenosis with a valve area of 0.6 cm²." — clinical assessment
"Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was recommended for the high-risk patient with severe aortic stenosis." — treatment plan

Also known as

AS aortic valve stenosis

Contrasted with

aortic regurgitation aortic insufficiency

Don't confuse with

aortic sclerosis mitral stenosis

aortic root enlargement ← Back to glossary aortic valve cusp