Valvular Heart Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 56-year-old man with long-standing hypertension presents with dyspnea on exertion. On examination, the carotid pulse has a slow rise and small amplitude. A systolic ejection murmur is heard at the right upper sternal border. Echocardiography shows a peak gradient of 65 mmHg across the aortic valve. Which of the following is the most appropriate next management step?
Answer choices
- AObservation with serial echocardiography
- BAortic valve replacementCorrect answer
- CDobutamine stress testing
- DBeta-blocker therapy
- ECardiac catheterization for pressure measurements
- FMitral valve repair
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