Aortic stenosis is characterized by slow rising pulse
with a delayed sustained peak.
The pulse
is called anacrotic pulse (pulses parvus et tardus) . If there is pulses bisferiens that rules out predominant aortic
stenosis.
What is the
significance of pulse in AS
If there
is normal pulse in adult <60yrs with a normal left ventricular function that rules out moderate to severe aortic stenosis.
What are the factors
that affect pulse in AS
1.
Age.
2.
Hypertension.
3.
Hypovolemia.
4.
Left
ventricular function.
5.
Presence
of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH).
6.
Mitral
valve disease.
7.
Aortic
regurgitation.
What are the factors
that exaggerate the low pulse volume in AS
1.
Hypovolemia.
2.
Cardiac
failure.
3.
Pulmonary
artery hypertension.
4.
Associated
severe MS (Mild stenosis).
What are the factors
which will apparently normalise the pulse in AS
1.
Hypertension.
2.
Presence
of aortic regurgitation.
3.
Elderly
age.
4.
Young
age.