Aortic valve stenosis is described as:

Aortic valve stenosis is described as:

• A. Narrowing of the aortic valve causing backflow to the left atrium
• B. Narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta
• C. Valve leakage due to autoimmune disease
• D. Calcification of the mitral valve leaflets

Answer: (B)

Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during systole. Because the valve opening is reduced, the left ventricle must generate higher pressure to push blood through, increasing afterload and often leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness with activity. This is different from regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the heart rather than forward flow being obstructed. The option mentioning the mitral valve refers to a problem with a different valve altogether.

Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during systole. Because the valve opening is reduced, the left ventricle must generate higher pressure to push blood through, increasing afterload and often leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness with activity. This is different from regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the heart rather than forward flow being obstructed. The option mentioning the mitral valve refers to a problem with a different valve altogether.