What are common clinical manifestations of aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, which restricts blood flow from the heart to the aorta during systole. This condition leads to several specific clinical manifestations due to the increased workload the heart must undertake and the reduced blood flow to vital organs.

Dyspnea is a common symptom as the heart struggles to pump sufficient blood, particularly during exertion, leading to pulmonary congestion. Angina occurs as the myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply, primarily due to increased workload and the inability of the coronary arteries to expand adequately to meet these needs. Syncope (fainting) can happen due to reduced cardiac output, especially during physical activity or exertion, which may lead to transient decreases in cerebral blood flow.

These manifestations reflect the physiological challenges associated with aortic stenosis, which are not present in the other choices listed. For instance, palpitations, fatigue, and urticaria do not directly correlate with the mechanical effects of aortic stenosis. Bradycardia and hypotension, while they can occur in some cardiac conditions, are not hallmark signs of aortic stenosis. Lastly, hypertension and tachycardia are more reflective of other cardiovascular issues rather than the low-output state typically associated with aortic