#1
Which of the following is a common symptom of aortic stenosis?
Syncope
ExplanationFainting due to reduced blood flow from the heart.
#2
What is the most common cause of aortic stenosis in developed countries?
Bicuspid aortic valve
ExplanationA congenital heart defect characterized by two leaflets instead of the usual three.
#3
Which valve is primarily affected in aortic stenosis?
Aortic valve
ExplanationThe valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.
#4
What is the typical demographic affected by degenerative aortic stenosis?
Elderly individuals
ExplanationCommonly seen in older age groups due to wear and tear on the valve.
#5
What is the mechanism of action of a calcium channel blocker in aortic stenosis?
Decreases afterload
ExplanationReduces resistance the heart pumps against.
#6
Which murmur is classically associated with aortic stenosis?
Systolic ejection murmur
ExplanationHeart murmur heard during systole due to narrowed aortic valve.
#7
Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for diagnosing aortic stenosis?
Echocardiography
ExplanationUltrasound imaging to visualize the heart's structures and function.
#8
Which Doppler echocardiography finding suggests severe aortic stenosis?
Mean diastolic gradient > 30 mmHg
ExplanationHigh pressure difference across the aortic valve during relaxation phase.
#9
Which valve disorder often coexists with aortic stenosis in elderly patients?
Aortic regurgitation
ExplanationBackflow of blood from the aorta back into the left ventricle.
#10
What is the most common symptom of severe aortic stenosis?
Dyspnea on exertion
ExplanationShortness of breath during physical activity.
#11
What is the hallmark finding on physical examination of aortic stenosis?
Delayed carotid upstroke
ExplanationPulse felt in the neck is slower and later than normal.
#12
Which medication should be avoided in patients with severe aortic stenosis?
Calcium channel blockers
ExplanationCan worsen heart function by decreasing contractility.
#13
What is the most common cause of death in patients with untreated severe aortic stenosis?
Heart failure
ExplanationInability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
#14
Which valve replacement approach has shown superiority in reducing mortality compared to surgical aortic valve replacement in certain patient populations?
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
ExplanationLess invasive procedure with comparable outcomes in select patients.
#15
Which valvular abnormality is commonly associated with calcific aortic stenosis?
Mitral regurgitation
ExplanationLeakage of blood from the mitral valve back into the left atrium.