Aortic stenosis (AS) is often observed as a severe valve disease, caused by the narrow opening of the aortic valve. The narrowing of the valve restricts the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It may also affect the pressure of the blood flow in the left atrium, leading to aortic stenosis. AS may or may not produce any symptoms, but in some people, symptoms are not noticeable until there is a significant reduction in the ratio of blood flow.
Symptoms of AS may include breathlessness, angina, syncope, palpitations and a heart murmur. Also, symptoms may not develop until 50-years of age, however, heart murmuring signs may develop at an earlier age. Chest X-ray and echocardiogram are used for monitoring of the variable intervals recurring during the progression of the stenosis. Answer the following questions to test your knowledge on AS.