Influences of aortic pressure gradient and ventricular septal thickness with systolic coronary flow in aortic valve stenosis

Our results support the hypothesis that in aortic valve stenosis, the pattern of systolic coronary flow is related to the aortic pressure gradient and interventricular septal thickness. A hypertrophic septum interfering with systolic aortic pressure facilitates the increase in intramural resistances during systole in the left anterior descending artery territory. Surgical repair reduces the aortic gradient and increases systolic coronary flow, but the influence on ventricular septal thickness is not immediate; thus, maintenance of adequate aortic systolic pressure is of great importance in improving coronary perfusion.