Is aortic stenosis a common condition?

It is relatively common in the elderly population, with prevalence increasing significantly after age 65.

What are the main symptoms of aortic stenosis?

The classic triad is chest pain (angina), fainting (syncope), and shortness of breath (dyspnoea), often occurring on exertion.

Can aortic stenosis be treated without open-heart surgery?

Yes, for many patients, a minimally invasive procedure called TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is now a standard alternative to surgical valve replacement.

Is aortic stenosis the same as a heart murmur?

No, a heart murmur is a sound heard with a stethoscope, which is often a sign of aortic stenosis (specifically, a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur).

Is “aortic stenosis” formal?

Aortic stenosis is usually technical, medical in register.

How do you pronounce “aortic stenosis”?

Aortic stenosis: in British English it is pronounced /eɪˌɔː.tɪk stɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪˌɔːr.t̬ɪk stəˈnoʊ.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

aortic stenosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1/C2 (Low-frequency, highly specialised)

UK/eɪˌɔː.tɪk stɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/US/eɪˌɔːr.t̬ɪk stəˈnoʊ.sɪs/

Technical, Medical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “aortic stenosis” mean?

A medical condition where the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the heart.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A medical condition where the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the heart.

Specifically, a narrowing or stricture of the aortic valve, which can be congenital or acquired (e.g., through calcification). It reduces cardiac output, potentially leading to heart failure.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical or definitional differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). Spelling identical.

Connotations

Identical medical/clinical connotations in both dialects.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to medical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “aortic stenosis” in a Sentence

patient presents WITH aortic stenosisto diagnose aortic stenosisstenosis OF the aortic valveto undergo surgery FOR aortic stenosis

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

severe aortic stenosiscalcific aortic stenosiscongenital aortic stenosiscritical aortic stenosissymptomatic aortic stenosis

medium

diagnose aortic stenosistreat aortic stenosisprogression of aortic stenosisgradient in aortic stenosishaemodynamics of aortic stenosis

weak

patient with aortic stenosiscomplication of aortic stenosissign of aortic stenosisrisk in aortic stenosismanagement of aortic stenosis

Examples

Examples of “aortic stenosis” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The valve was observed to stenose over several years.
The condition is known to stenose progressively.

American English

The valve was observed to stenose over several years.
The disease process causes the valve to stenose.

adjective

British English

The stenotic aortic valve required replacement.
He presented with stenotic heart disease.

American English

The stenotic aortic valve required replacement.
The patient had stenotic valve disease.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used extensively in medical and biomedical research papers, textbooks, and lectures.

Everyday

Extremely rare; only used when discussing a specific personal or family medical diagnosis.

Technical

The primary domain of use. Found in clinical notes, cardiology reports, surgical discussions, and medical device literature.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “aortic stenosis”

Neutral

aortic valve stenosis

Weak

aortic narrowingaortic valve obstruction

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “aortic stenosis”

aortic regurgitationaortic insufficiencynormal aortic valve function

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “aortic stenosis”

Pronouncing 'stenosis' as /steɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/ (incorrect vowel); correct is /stɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/ or /stəˈnoʊ.sɪs/.
Using it as a countable noun (*'He has an aortic stenosis').
Misspelling as 'aortic stinosis' or 'aortic stenosus'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is relatively common in the elderly population, with prevalence increasing significantly after age 65.
: The classic triad is chest pain (angina), fainting (syncope), and shortness of breath (dyspnoea), often occurring on exertion.
: Yes, for many patients, a minimally invasive procedure called TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is now a standard alternative to surgical valve replacement.
: No, a heart murmur is a sound heard with a stethoscope, which is often a sign of aortic stenosis (specifically, a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur).
: A medical condition where the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the heart.
: Aortic stenosis is usually technical, medical in register.
: Aortic stenosis: in British English it is pronounced /eɪˌɔː.tɪk stɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪˌɔːr.t̬ɪk stəˈnoʊ.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

AORTIC STENOSIS: A (a) ORT (orifice) that is IC (icky = narrow) STENOSIS (stricture). Think: 'A narrow orifice causing a stricture in the AORTA.'

Conceptual Metaphor

THE HEART IS A PUMP; THE VALVE IS A GATEWAY. Aortic stenosis is a 'narrowed gateway' or 'clogged pipe' from the heart's main pump.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

An echocardiogram is the primary tool used to assess the severity of .

Multiple Choice

What is the most common cause of aortic stenosis in adults in developed countries?