SouthPre Specialty Practice Exam 2026 - Free Specialty Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary physiological change in patients with aortic stenosis is the obstruction to left ventricular outflow. When the aortic valve becomes narrowed, the left ventricle faces increased resistance when trying to pump blood into the aorta during systole. This obstruction leads to several compensatory mechanisms, including the thickening and hypertrophy of the left ventricular muscle, as the heart works harder to overcome the resistance caused by the narrowed valve.

This increased workload can eventually lead to heart failure if the condition progresses without intervention. The symptoms such as shortness of breath, angina, and syncope can arise as the heart struggles to meet the body's demands due to the impaired outflow. Understanding this primary change is crucial for diagnosing and managing aortic stenosis effectively.