Aortic Valve Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Visual Explanation #3540217 (License: Personal Use)

This medical illustration depicts severe calcific aortic valve stenosis, where calcium-rich deposits (shown in green) accumulate on the valve leaflets, reducing their flexibility and narrowing the orifice. The inset zooms into the valve, revealing irregular, nodular calcifications that impede proper opening during systole, increasing left ventricular afterload. The full-heart context shows the affected valve positioned between the left ventricle and ascending aorta.

Used in cardiology educational resources, clinical guidelines, or patient-facing materials explaining valvular heart disease; matches user intent for understanding causes, symptoms, or imaging features of aortic stenosis.