Which statement about aortic valve flutter and cardiac output is true?

Which statement about aortic valve flutter and cardiac output is true?

• A. It is associated with reduced cardiac output
• B. It is associated with increased left ventricular preload
• C. It is associated with good cardiac output
• D. It has no effect on cardiac output

Answer: (C)

Aortic valve flutter reflects vigorous systolic flow across the valve. When the heart is delivering a good amount of forward flow (adequate cardiac output), the aortic jet is strong and the valve cusps move rapidly, which can produce a fluttering appearance. That brisk ejection is why the statement about having good cardiac output is the best fit. If cardiac output were reduced, the forward flow across the aortic valve would be diminished, and the flutter would be less pronounced or not present. Preload changes (left ventricular preload) affect volume status more broadly and don’t directly cause this flutter pattern, and saying there’s no effect on cardiac output would ignore the link between valve motion and forward flow.

Aortic valve flutter reflects vigorous systolic flow across the valve. When the heart is delivering a good amount of forward flow (adequate cardiac output), the aortic jet is strong and the valve cusps move rapidly, which can produce a fluttering appearance. That brisk ejection is why the statement about having good cardiac output is the best fit.

If cardiac output were reduced, the forward flow across the aortic valve would be diminished, and the flutter would be less pronounced or not present. Preload changes (left ventricular preload) affect volume status more broadly and don’t directly cause this flutter pattern, and saying there’s no effect on cardiac output would ignore the link between valve motion and forward flow.