A 34-year-old guy visits the clinic to have his heart murmur evaluated. At repose, the patient does not experience any palpitations, chest discomfort, fainting, or shortness of breath. He also routinely exercises without displaying any unusual symptoms. A quiet systolic murmur that radiates to the neck is audible during cardiac auscultation in the second right intercostal region, associated with an ejection click. The figure below displays a typical volume and pressure trace of the left ventricle. Which of the following letters best describes how this patient's valve opening is likely to be affected?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The stages of the cardiac cycle may be recognized and the precise moment at which the heart valves open and close can be calculated using ventricular pressure and volume curves. At the conclusion of isovolumetric contraction, the aortic valve opens when left ventricular pressure is greater than the central aortic pressure.

A 34-Year-Old Guy Visits the Clinic to Have His Heart