During aortic stenosis, what does left ventricular M-mode typically show regarding contractility?

During aortic stenosis, what does left ventricular M-mode typically show regarding contractility?

• A. Hyper contractile
• B. Hypo contractile
• C. Normal contractility
• D. Variable

Answer: (A)

In aortic stenosis the ventricle faces a higher afterload (pressure overload). To cope, the LV undergoes concentric hypertrophy, thickening the walls to normalise wall stress and preserve systolic performance. This remodeling makes the systolic contraction appear more vigorous on M-mode, so the ventricle can look hypercontractile—strong wall motion with a relatively small chamber due to the thick walls. While later stages can lead to decompensation with reduced contractility, the common early pattern on M-mode is hypercontractile contractility driven by the compensatory hypertrophy.

In aortic stenosis the ventricle faces a higher afterload (pressure overload). To cope, the LV undergoes concentric hypertrophy, thickening the walls to normalise wall stress and preserve systolic performance. This remodeling makes the systolic contraction appear more vigorous on M-mode, so the ventricle can look hypercontractile—strong wall motion with a relatively small chamber due to the thick walls. While later stages can lead to decompensation with reduced contractility, the common early pattern on M-mode is hypercontractile contractility driven by the compensatory hypertrophy.