Causes

Question 1

What are the three causes of Aortic Stenosis?

Answer 1

1. Bicuspid Aortic Valve, which presents 40s-50s
2. Rheumatic fever - Strep A infection which is rare in developed world but causes damage to the valve
3. Degeneration of tissue - 60s

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of aortic stenosis and what are the three steps

Answer 2

Chronic inflammatory response to epithelial damage as a result of turbulent blood flow

1. This is more common on the aortic side causing lipid plaques and WBC infiltration
2. This causes osteoblast activation and calcification
3. This causes stenosis and a drop in pressure across the valve so the LV must increase pressure

Question 3

Why is dental hygeine important in aortic stenosis?

Answer 3

Because infection can do from the teeth to the heart

Question 4

What are the risk factors for Aortic Stenosis?

Answer 4

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Hypercholesteramia
• Rheumatic Fever
• Biscuspid Aortic valve
• Aortic root dilatation - less pressure across valve