Which heart structure is primarily affected in aortic stenosis?

In aortic stenosis, the primary heart structure affected is the left ventricle. This condition occurs when the aortic valve does not open fully, leading to increased resistance to blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta during systole. As a result, the left ventricle must work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, which can cause the ventricular muscle to hypertrophy or thicken over time due to the increased workload.

This thickening can compromise the left ventricle's ability to relax and fill properly, potentially leading to heart failure if the condition progresses untreated. Additionally, the elevated pressure in the left ventricle can contribute to back pressure into the left atrium, although the primary focus of the pathology remains with the left ventricle itself.

Understanding the significance of left ventricular involvement in aortic stenosis is crucial for identifying the condition and its implications in patient management and treatment options.