haemodynamics

Last reviewed 01/2018

The reduction in valve aperture only causes haemodynamic abnormality when it is approximately 1/4 of normal.

Haemodynamic abnormalities present in this condition include:

  • systolic gradient across the valve - this is when the pressure during systole is significantly higher in the left ventricle than in the aorta

  • left ventricular hypertrophy:
    • increased left ventricular work results leads to the development of ventricular hypertrophy
    • left ventricular dilatation does not occur until there is left ventricular failure or aortic regurgitation is also present

  • post-stenotic dilatation - this is localised dilatation of the aorta distal to the obstruction resulting from the lateral force by the turbulence of the jet of blood