2. Which obstructive lesion has
a reduced arterial pulse
up-stroke velocity as shown in the lower diagram?
a. Aortic stenosis
b. Coarctation of Aorta
c. Coronary artery disease
d. Obstructive cardiomyopathy
Answer: a. Aortic Stenosis. Note the "pulsus
tarvus" with reduced dP/dT and pulse pressure. Note the anacrotic notch seen on
the arterial upstroke. These are due to the slowed ejection of blood out the
tight stenotic aortic valve. Arterial pulse tracings may be recorded via
invasive catheters or external transducers placed on the carotid
artery.
See: Braunwald,
chapter on "Physical Exam."
Keywords: AO Pulse in AS
