Aortic Valve

Aortic Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Hemodynamic Consequences

Learn how aortic valve obstruction, LV pressure overload, ventricular remodeling, stroke volume, and flow shape the Doppler and hemodynamic patterns seen in aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is more than a narrowed valve.

The Doppler pattern you see depends on the interaction between the valve obstruction, the left ventricular response, and the amount of flow crossing the valve.

This course gives you a practical framework for connecting valve morphology, LV remodeling, stroke volume, loading conditions, velocity, and pressure gradients when AS findings are straightforward—or when they are not.

1 CME

1

On completion you will be able to

Describe how progressive valve obstruction develops in aortic stenosis.

Explain how chronic pressure overload changes LV structure and function.

Relate valve obstruction and flow to Doppler velocity and pressure gradients.

Explain the basic physiology behind low-flow and discordant AS patterns.

Apply a valve–LV–flow framework to variable AS presentations.

Who this is for

This activity is designed for physicians, sonographers, and other health care professionals involved in the acquisition, interpretation, or clinical use of echocardiographic data in patients with aortic stenosis.

Cardiac sonographers Echo lab managers Physicians

Curriculum

How to earn credit

Complete the course content.

Complete the pre- and post-course assessments.

Complete the course evaluation.

Claim credit commensurate with your participation.

Your certificate is issued immediately after the evaluation is submitted and remains available in your account.

Faculty

Laura Hennessey

RDCS, FASE

Laura has spent eighteen years in hospital echocardiography laboratories, the last nine leading quality improvement and accreditation preparation. She teaches valve quantification to sonographers and fellows across North America.

Director of Education, CardioServ