What is a potential complication of untreated moderate to severe aortic stenosis?

• A. Heart failur
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Stroke

Answer: (A)

Untreated moderate to severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure due to increased pressure overload on the left ventricle. As the aortic valve becomes narrowed, the heart has to work harder to pump blood out into the aorta. This chronic pressure overload results in left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement) as the heart muscle thickens to cope with the increased demand. Over time, the myocardial muscle can become stiff and less capable of relaxing, ultimately leading to a decrease in cardiac output.

The heart may eventually reach a point where it can no longer compensate for the increased workload, leading to symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention. This sequence is a classic progression in patients with significant aortic stenosis who are not treated, making heart failure a key complication of this condition. The other options, while potentially relevant in various contexts, are less directly associated with the consequences of untreated aortic stenosis compared to heart failure.