A patient's echocardiogram shows a significantly narrowed aortic valve orifice with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which major category of cardiac pathology best explains this condition?
Answer (2)
The patient's echocardiogram findings suggest aortic stenosis, a condition characterized by a narrowed aortic valve orifice leading to left ventricular hypertrophy. This occurs as the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the constricted valve, resulting in muscle thickening. Treatment typically involves monitoring and potentially surgical intervention, such as valve replacement.
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The scenario described in the question pertains to a condition known as 'aortic stenosis,' which falls under the major category of cardiac pathology known as 'valvular heart disease.'
In this condition, the aortic valve, which lies between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta, becomes narrowed. This narrowing is referred to as stenosis and occurs due to calcification or scarring of the aortic valve leaflets, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta and subsequently to the rest of the body.
As a result of the increased workload needed to push blood through the narrowed valve, the left ventricle's muscle wall becomes thicker, a process known as hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate cardiac output and to manage the increased pressure load caused by the narrowed valve.
In summary, the narrow aortic valve orifice and associated left ventricular hypertrophy suggest the presence of aortic stenosis, which is a type of valvular heart disease.
