Which heart sound is characteristic of aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is characterized by a specific heart sound known as a "harsh, grating sound," which is often described as a "crescendo-decrescendo" systolic ejection murmur. This sound occurs due to turbulent blood flow across the narrowed aortic valve during ventricular systole. As the left ventricle contracts, the blood flows more forcefully through the restricted opening, creating this distinctive sound that can sometimes be heard best at the second right intercostal space or along the right sternal border.

The unique quality of the sound helps clinicians distinguish aortic stenosis from other types of heart murmurs. Understanding this characteristic sound is crucial as it aids in the identification and management of patients with this condition. In addition, clinicians often feel a significant pulse pressure difference, as the left ventricular outflow tract becomes narrowed, leading to specific clinical findings.