Pathophysiology & Severity
The normal aortic valve area falls within this range.
2.5–3.5 cm²
The murmur of AS radiates to which area the body
The carotids/neck
AS patients depend heavily on this mechanical contribution to ventricular filling.
Atrial kick
This anesthetic technique is relatively contraindicated due to risk of abrupt SVR reduction
Spinal anesthesia
High concentrations of volatile anesthetics depress contractility and reduce this vascular resistance
SVR
Severe aortic stenosis 1. Valve Area? 2. Mean Gradient?
Valve area - <1.0 cm²
Mean Gradient > 40 mmHg
This imaging modality is the gold standard for determining AS severity.
Transthoracic echocardiography
The hypertrophied LV in AS demands more of this metabolic resource.
Oxygen
Intraoperative hypotension in AS should be treated aggressively to avoid this complication.
Myocardial ischemia or cardiovascular collapse
CPR is often ineffective in severe AS due to
Fixed outflow obstruction. Inability to generated enough effect pressure to overcome the stenotic aortic valve.
This congenital abnormality is a major cause of premature AS.
Bicuspid aortic valve
The 'classic triad' of AS symptoms
S.A.D.
Syncope, Angina, Dyspnea
Hypotension in AS jeopardizes this essential perfusion gradient.
Coronary perfusion pressure
These two vasoactive agents are commonly used to maintain afterload.
Phenylephrine and vasopressin
Tachyarrhythmias such as AFib may require this emergent intervention.
Cardioversion
AS leads to a fixed stroke volume, making cardiac output dependent on this variable.
Heart rate
This ECG finding commonly reflects chronic pressure overload
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Maintaining this parameter is essential because AS patients cannot tolerate afterload reduction.
Systemic vascular resistance
This condition makes AS patients poorly tolerant of high sympathetic surges.
Fixed outflow obstruction
This induction agent may be preferred due to minimal cardiovascular depression
Etomidate
This filling pressure rises in AS due to a stiff LV.
LVEDP
Name two pulse wave findings that are characteristic of severe AS.
Pulsus parvus
Pulsus tardus
AS results in this type of cardiac output pattern due to fixed obstruction
Fixed stroke volume
Loss of this mechanical component can precipitate rapid decompensation in AS.
Atrial kick
Hypoxia and hypercarbia must be avoided because
they increase this vascular resistance -> PVR