Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Stenotic valves create pressure overload upstream, causing concentric hypertrophy. Regurgitant valves cause volume overload, leading to eccentric dilation. Aortic stenosis produces a pressure gradient that reduces cardiac output and coronary perfusion, while mitral regurgitation causes pulmonary congestion from volume regurgitating into the left atrium. Connect Valvular Disease to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.